avoid_empty_else

Avoid empty statements in else clauses.

AVOID empty statements in the else clause of if statements.

BAD:

if (x > y)
  print('1');
else ;
  print('2');

If you want a statement that follows the empty clause to conditionally run, remove the dangling semicolon to include it in the else clause. Optionally, also enclose the else's statement in a block.

GOOD:

if (x > y)
  print('1');
else
  print('2');

GOOD:

if (x > y) {
  print('1');
} else {
  print('2');
}

If you want a statement that follows the empty clause to unconditionally run, remove the else clause.

GOOD:

if (x > y) print('1');

print('2');

To enable the avoid_empty_else rule, add avoid_empty_else under linter > rules in your analysis_options.yaml file:

linter:
  rules:
    - avoid_empty_else

If you're instead using the YAML map syntax to configure linter rules, add avoid_empty_else: true under linter > rules:

linter:
  rules:
    avoid_empty_else: true

Unless stated otherwise, the documentation on this site reflects Dart 3.6.0. Page last updated on 2025-01-27. View source or report an issue.