$watch'ing for data changes in an Angular directive

Question

How can I trigger a $watch variable in an Angular directive when manipulating the data inside (e.g., inserting or removing data), but not assign a new object to

Answer 1

My version for a directive that uses jqplot to plot the data once it becomes available:

    app.directive('lineChart', function() {
        $.jqplot.config.enablePlugins = true;

        return function(scope, element, attrs) {
            scope.$watch(attrs.lineChart, function(newValue, oldValue) {
                if (newValue) {
                    // alert(scope.$eval(attrs.lineChart));
                    var plot = $.jqplot(element[0].id, scope.$eval(attrs.lineChart), scope.$eval(attrs.options));
                }
            });
        }
});