the array of checkboxes will contain the values of the checkboxes. So if no checkboxes are checked, the array will be empty. If a checkbox is set, the value of the checked box should be in it.
So if your checkboxes are called delete and the values are id #'s.
//assuming POST method from form
if(count($_POST['delete']) < 1){
// no checkboxes selected, do nothing
} else {
$delarray = $_POST['delete'];
//perform your actions using $delarray
}//end if