check before insert query

[rayzun]

I need to check for existing record before INSERT
based on if $determin has any record (not empty)

 $determin .= "$harray[0]";

 $query = "INSERT INTO `JS` ( `name` ) VALUES ( '$fname' ) ";

this is a very confusing

[tekky]

how about a bit better explanation... to me it sounds like you something as simple as

if (!empty($determin))
{
  //do something when its not empty
}
else
{
  //its empty... lets whine about it
}

[rayzun]

Ya
Im not so sure but I think the query must do the work, and it should
PHP if statement kind of branches off. I need a more open and direct approach.

Thanks for your input