fix: Disable casting when an $casts is empty

Author: neznaika0

system/Entity/Entity.php

@@ -578,7 +578,7 @@ protected function castAs($value, string $attribute, string $method = 'get')
      */
     protected function dataCaster(): ?DataCaster
     {
-        if (! $this->_cast) {
+        if ($this->casts === [] || ! $this->_cast) {
             $this->dataCaster = null;
 
             return null;

user_guide_src/source/changelogs/v4.7.0.rst

@@ -114,7 +114,8 @@ your code.
 Entity and DataCaster
 ---------------------
 
-Previously, the ``DataCaster`` object was always initialized, even if you did not use the ``$_cast = false`` type casting.
+Previously, the ``DataCaster`` object was always initialized, even if you did not use the type casting:
+configured ``$_cast = false`` or having an empty array ``$casts = []``.
 Now, the object is created on-demand and deleted when type casting is disabled.
 In general, the change does not break the existing process, it should be remembered that now in some cases ``$dataCaster`` may be nullable.
 
@@ -207,6 +208,11 @@ Method Signature Changes
     - ``prepare(): void``
     - ``respond(): void``
 
+Property Signature Changes
+==========================
+
+- **Entity:** The protected property ``CodeIgniter\Entity\Entity::$dataCaster`` type has been changed from ``DataCaster`` to ``?DataCaster`` (nullable).
+
 Removed Deprecated Items
 ========================
 
@@ -309,7 +315,6 @@ Changes
 *******
 
 - **Cookie:** The ``CookieInterface::EXPIRES_FORMAT`` has been changed to ``D, d M Y H:i:s T`` to follow the recommended format in RFC 7231.
-- **Entity:** The protected property ``CodeIgniter\Entity\Entity::$dataCaster`` can be nullable.
 - **Format:** Added support for configuring ``json_encode()`` maximum depth via ``Config\Format::$jsonEncodeDepth``.
 - **Paths:** Added support for changing the location of the ``.env`` file via the ``Paths::$envDirectory`` property.
 - **Toolbar:** Added ``$disableOnHeaders`` property to **app/Config/Toolbar.php**.