Matplotlib Plot Clearing: cla(), clf(), and close() – What\'s the Difference?

Clearing Plots in Matplotlib: A Detailed Guide to cla(), clf(), and close()

In Matplotlib, a popular Python library for data visualization, the functions cla(), clf(), and close() are commonly used to clear plots. However, understanding the subtle differences between these functions is crucial for efficient plot management.

plt.cla()

The cla() function is used to clear the currently active axis, which is the plot where your data is visualized. It leaves other axes within the same figure untouched, allowing you to selectively remove specific plot elements.

plt.clf()

In contrast, plt.clf() clears the entire current figure, removing all axes, titles, legends, and annotations. It essentially resets the figure to its initial blank canvas state.

plt.close()

Finally, plt.close() closes the figure window in which the plot is displayed. This function is useful when you want to remove the entire plot, including the window, from your interactive session.

Usage Considerations

The choice of which function to use depends on your specific needs. If you only want to remove specific elements from a plot, such as a single axis or legend, use plt.cla(). If you want to clear the entire plot but keep the window open for future plotting, use plt.clf(). And if you want to close the figure window and remove the entire plot from your workspace, use plt.close().

Methods of the Figure Class

In addition to the pyplot interface, you can also use methods of the Figure class to clear plots:

• fig.clf() is equivalent to plt.clf() and clears the entire figure.
• fig.clear() is a synonym for fig.clf().

Note that using del fig to delete the figure instance will not automatically close the associated figure window. To close the window, you must explicitly call fig.close() or plt.close() with fig as the argument.

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