Resolved: Is this really the proper way to check the count of an optional string in Swift?

Question:

I am scrolling through an array of many things in app. One of the items in the array is a string, and it is an optional. I’ve edited out everything else since my question is about the strings.
At one point I need to call some functions on the strings, if they exist.
Both of these appear to work
and
The top one is cleaner, but I can read the second one easier. The first looks like a cousin of a ternary conditional. I simply want to clarify that even if I am doing it correctly, if there is a more accepted way to do it.

Answer:

Comparing a default against a number is code stink. Deodorizing usually involves Optional.map
or better usage of properties.

If you have better answer, please add a comment about this, thank you!