1. **State the problem:** Evaluate the limit $$\lim_{h \to 1} \frac{h^2 - 1}{h - 1}$$. 2. **Recall the formula and rules:** When direct substitution leads to an indeterminate form like $$\frac{0}{0}$$, we try to simplify the expression. 3. **Simplify the numerator:** Notice that $$h^2 - 1$$ is a difference of squares, which factors as: $$h^2 - 1 = (h - 1)(h + 1)$$. 4. **Rewrite the limit expression:** $$\lim_{h \to 1} \frac{(h - 1)(h + 1)}{h - 1}$$. 5. **Cancel common factors:** $$\lim_{h \to 1} \frac{\cancel{(h - 1)}(h + 1)}{\cancel{h - 1}} = \lim_{h \to 1} (h + 1)$$. 6. **Evaluate the limit by direct substitution:** $$1 + 1 = 2$$. **Final answer:** $$2$$.