CGPath

CGPath is a data type in Apple's Core Graphics framework used to define geometric paths. These paths can be used for drawing shapes, creating clipping regions, and performing hit testing. A CGPath object is essentially a sequence of drawing operations, such as moving to a point, drawing straight lines, quadratic and cubic Bézier curves, and closing the path.

Paths can be constructed in a mutable or immutable manner. Mutable paths allow for incremental modification, while immutable paths are created once and cannot be changed. This immutability is beneficial for performance and thread safety in certain contexts. Core Graphics provides functions to create, manipulate, and query CGPath objects.

Common operations performed with CGPath include adding line segments, arcs, and curves. You can also combine existing paths using operations like union, intersection, and subtraction. The framework allows for the creation of complex shapes by combining simpler path components.

CGPath is fundamental to many drawing operations in Cocoa and Cocoa Touch applications. It serves as the blueprint for rendering vector graphics, enabling developers to create scalable and precise visual elements without relying on pixel-based images. Its versatility makes it a cornerstone of custom drawing and graphical user interface elements.