Is it really necessary to empty the Session array
before using

session_destroy();

PHP textbooks seem to recommend it without explaining why.

I think this will answer your question, Php.Net session_destroy Manual. The first part of the article states what you question is implying. Let me know if you still need help with it.

Originally Posted by captkrackerjack

I think this will answer your question, Php.Net session_destroy Manual. The first part of the article states what you question is implying. Let me know if you still need help with it.

Implying?

No, doesnt really help.

session_destroy() destroys all of the data associated with the current session. It does not unset any of the global variables associated with the session, or unset the session cookie. To use the session variables again, session_start() has to be called.

So pretty much using session_destroy() will not empty global variables. Emptying the session before destroying ensures that the session is completely destroyed, including the globals, while not a requirement it will free up those resources associated with the session.

Sorry if I came off condescending I just thought that the PHP.net manual page is really great for solving the issue presented

Makes sense now. thanks.

Yes, if you want to destroy the session completely, then it is necessary to empty the session before using session_destroy();. Because, session_destroy() does not destroy global variables, so if you are using any global variables while your session is on, then it will not be removed using session_destroy();. So it is better to empty the session before destroying it.