# Optional - `v::optional(v $rule)` Validates if the given input is optional or not. By _optional_ we consider `null` or an empty string (`''`). ```php v::optional(v::alpha())->validate(''); // true v::optional(v::digit())->validate(null); // true ``` *** See also: * [NoWhitespace](NoWhitespace.md) * [NotBlank](NotBlank.md) * [NotEmpty](NotEmpty.md) * [NotOptional](NotOptional.md) * [NullType](NullType.md)