Example if I have a card that does damage to a target creature (burn instant) and there are no creatures on battlefield can I still play the card to get it out of my hand?
If a card says it needs a target, then it needs a legal target, otherwise it is being cast illegally.
See Rule 601.2: 601.2. To cast a spell is to take it from where it is (usually the hand), put it on the stack, and pay its costs, so that it will eventually resolve and have its effect. Casting a spell follows the steps listed below, in order. If, at any point during the casting of a spell, a player is unable to comply with any of the steps listed below, the casting of the spell is illegal; the game returns to the moment before that spell started to be cast (see rule 717, "Handling Illegal Actions"). Announcements and payments can't be altered after they've been made.
Do note that you are allowed to cast spells that won't do anything, provided that you are able to choose legal targets for the spell (or if the spell doesn't have any targets.)
For instance, you are allowed to cast Innocent Blood or Wrath of God while there are no creatures on the battlefield, and you are allowed to cast Mind Rot targeting an opponent who has no cards in their hand, if you really want to for some reason.
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See Rule 601.2:
601.2. To cast a spell is to take it from where it is (usually the hand), put it on the stack, and pay its costs, so that it will eventually resolve and have its effect. Casting a spell follows the steps listed below, in order. If, at any point during the casting of a spell, a player is unable to comply with any of the steps listed below, the casting of the spell is illegal; the game returns to the moment before that spell started to be cast (see rule 717, "Handling Illegal Actions"). Announcements and payments can't be altered after they've been made.
For instance, you are allowed to cast Innocent Blood or Wrath of God while there are no creatures on the battlefield, and you are allowed to cast Mind Rot targeting an opponent who has no cards in their hand, if you really want to for some reason.