handle

A handle is a part designed to be grasped or operated to move or hold an object. Common examples include door handles, mug handles, suitcase handles, and tool handles. In some cases, the term also refers to the part of a mechanism that is meant to be turned or pulled.

As a verb, to handle means to manage or deal with something. Handling can refer to the physical use of a handle or, more broadly, to the processing, control, or administration of a task or situation.

In computing, a handle is an abstract reference or identifier allotted by a system to access a resource such as a file, window, or network socket. The handle hides the resource's internal details and is passed to system calls to perform operations. Handles provide a stable interface for software components while isolating lower-level implementations.

In social media, a handle is a user’s public identifier or username, often appearing with an at sign, such as @Example. It is used for mentions, messages, and profile URLs.

In topology and geometry, a handle is a structural feature attached to a space, used in decompositions of manifolds. A 1-handle connects two regions and increases a surface’s genus; more broadly, handles facilitate the construction of higher-dimensional shapes.

Design and ergonomics considerations guide handle shape, material, and texture to improve grip, reduce slipping, and manage heat. Proper handles contribute to safety, comfort, and efficient use across a range of objects and systems.