Difference between Mage::getSingleton('core/layout') and $this->getLayout()

Question

I've been reading some tutorials and some use:

$this->getLayout()

To get the current layout, while others use:

Mage::getSingleton('core/layout');

I was wondering if there's any difference between the two approaches.

The calls are being run from a controller class that extends Mage_Core_Controller_Front_Action.

Thanks

Answer 1

$this->getLayout() is a shortcut for Mage::getSingleton('core/layout'), so technically there is no difference.

But note that, Mage::getSingleton('core/layout') works everywhere, while $this->getLayout() only works in controllers or blocks, i.e. classes that implement this shortcut method.