Car just sputters and won't start. Thought maybe

If it was out of gas, you'll have to cycle the key to the on position, and off again several times. You should be able to hear the fuel pump cut in (inside the gas tank) for a couple of seconds each time you turn the key to the "run" position. If you can't hear it whirring, it is either not getting power to it, or it is fried. If you can hear it, but the car still won't run after cycling the key several times, you will want to change your fuel filter, and try it again.
If it continues to sputter... start and stop, it will most likely be the MAF. (mass air flow). Your best bet for that would be an auto wrecker. Electical parts are way overpriced, and if that isn't the problem, you won't be able to return it.

Smell the fumes (by covering with a hand and sniffing you hand) whilst trying to turn them over. if its smells of pertol/gas its an electrical fault and try checking your plugs if its a petrol. make sure they are sparking correctly by (warm the block slighty first or you'll snap them in the pot) removing them, and insterting them back in to the HT lead and the spark end again the block, you should see the spark. if you cant smell fuel its a fueling problem. if you're not goot with mechanics/electrics you need to take to someone who is.

Was this something that happened all of a sudden? my first guess would be fuel pump, fuel filter. pump might not be pumping enough volume. filter is the cheapest. try that first, it wont hurt anything.