What's the difference between surf and surface?

I think they are essentially the same function? But why do we have both of them? Are there any differences that I should keep in mind when making choices?

Answer 1

[Walter Roberson]

The difference is that surf checks first to see if the axes Nextplot property says to replace plot, and if so then it does a cla. Then either way it calls surface()

In other words if "hold on" is not in effect (or the internal equivalent) then surf will erase the current plot. surface() will not do that.

The difference is sort of like the difference between line() and plot(). line() never erases the current plot. plot() might erase the current plot, and whether it does or not it will call line to do the drawing work.

[Luna]

this was exactly what I am looking for. Thanks for nice answer!

[Angelina Swift]

Thanks for the answer! It's really helpful!

[siavash Aghaei]

perfect and thorough answer; thanks!

[斯淇]

Thank you! Really helpful!