Using handle() on a numeric graphics handle turns it into an object, e.g.
ax = handle(gca);
h = plot(1:10);
lines = handle(h);
The advantage of this form are several:
- In both the command window and the workspace browser it is easier to see what these items are - you don't have to do get(h, 'Type')
- The properties auto-complete, which is much easier, less memorising, less typing and fewer errors
- You can get straight to the Property Inspector from the workspace browser
- You avoid the need to do all this tiresome get(h, 'is it Xtick') and set(h, 'or was it xTicks') business, which makes code easier to read and write and saves on quoting strings (which always slows me down)
Having said all this I still mostly carry on with habit using set and get! The alternative is not shown in the Help, or any of the examples, or most of the entries on File Exchange. Why so? would you agree with me set and get is a pain in the butt, or am I missing something?
