The operations performed on a path determine which of the path attributes become applicable. Unlike specifying area brackets, the variety of operations also calls for separate functions instead of specifying options with GpiBeginPath. Specifically, the following six operations can be performed on a path:
There are other graphics operations provided by the PM -for example, transformations- that can apply to entities other than paths.
Upon completion, GpiFillPath, GpiOutlinePath, GpiStrokePath, and GpiPathToRegion delete the current path definition. This path is not available for any subsequent operations.
GpiModifyPath does not delete the current path definition. An application can modify a path before using one of the aforementioned functions.
The first time your application calls GpiSetClipPath, the current path definition is converted into the current clip path. GpiSetClipPath deletes the path definition upon completion but not the clip path definition.
A path definition can be stored in a graphics segment and, if that segment is retained, the path can be re-created as required. Segments are discussed in Creating and Drawing Retained Graphics.