Add helper for coercing empty string query params to undefined

[Chucks1093]

Summary
Query parameters sent as empty strings such as search= are currently treated differently from omitted parameters, causing inconsistent filter behavior. A helper that coerces empty string values to undefined before validation ensures both forms are handled identically.

Scope

• add a helper that converts empty string query param values to undefined
• apply the helper before the query validation step for creator list and creator detail endpoints
• add a unit test confirming empty string and omitted params produce the same normalized result

Acceptance Criteria

• empty string query params are treated the same as omitted params after normalization
• a unit test confirms the coercion for at least three different param names
• non-empty string values are unaffected by the helper

Contributor coordination: if you pick this up, reach out in Telegram for updates or clarification: https://t.me/accesslayerorg

[victor62-art]

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pls assign this issue to me

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[k-deejah]

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Hi boss, I can work on this issue

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[khanavi272-spec]

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I would like to work on this issue

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[numdinkushi]

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Hi, let me take on this

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[michaelvic123]

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please assign this issue to me

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[Johnpii1]

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can i work on this

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[Benedict315]

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Hello I would like to work on this issue

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[drips-wave]

Congratulations, @Johnpii1! 🎉 Your application was accepted by the repo's maintainers, and the issue is due on June 2, 2026.

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