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# Data handles

A data handle is a reference into the data block which references a particular piece (attribute or plug) of the node’s data. The type used to get or set the data on an attribute or plug must match the type of the attribute. For example, if an attribute is declared as an integer attribute, you should not use the data handle to get or set it as a float, matrix, or even a short—you should only get or set it as an integer.