Gain insights into computer graphics with Python's Pycairo library. Learn about pixel vs. vector graphics, create complex shapes, work with transforms, text, gradients, and more for VR and game development.

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Pycairo

In this course, you will use Python’s Pycairo library to draw complex shapes. So if you have an appetite for virtual reality, or game development, then this course will serve you well.

You will start with basic concepts like: What is the difference between pixel and vector graphics? After that, you will learn to make basic drawings and then you will move on to complex shapes. Throughout, you will cover important concepts like transform and state, working with text, gradients, and a whole lot more.

By the time you finish this course, you will have a powerful new library at your disposal, and you’ll be able to construct beautiful graphics that users will love.

Computer Graphics in Python and Pycairo

# Paths
A **path** is the most general type of shape. It is made up of one or more edges, which can consist of straight lines, arcs, or curves (specifically, Bezier curves). Here are a few complex paths:

The first three paths are created as follows:
- Path **A** is created from 6 straight lines.
- Path **B** consists of 2 straight lines and a circular arc.
- Path **C** consists of 2 straight lines and 2 Bezier curves.

Each of the paths in the image has its own characteristics, to illustrate the variety of different forms a path can take:
- A and B are simple closed paths, and each encloses a single area. A is a polygon, while B is a sector of a circle.
- C is an open path. It is a set of lines that don’t enclose an area. An open path has two endpoints that are not joined together.
- D is a self-intersecting path. It is a polygon just like A, but some of its sides cross over, so that it encloses several different areas (4 triangular areas in this case).
- E is a disjointed path. It consists of 2 separate closed shapes (each shape is actually a sub-path, which we will discuss in the next section).
- F is also a disjointed path, which consists of 3 separate closed shapes, but this time the two small shapes (the ellipse and the letter A) cut holes in the main rectangular shape. If we place this shape on top of an image background, we will be able to see the image through the holes.

Paths are created implicitly, by calling drawing operations on the Pycairo context. We can store the path we create as a Path object. This can be very useful, sometimes, as we will see later on.


In this lesson, we'll learn to use paths to make complex shapes with Pycairo.

Introduction

Introduction to Vector Graphics

Basic Drawing Operations

Paths and Complex Shapes

Computer Color

Transforms and State

Working with Text

Gradients and Image Fills

Clipping, Masking and Compositing

Surfaces and Output Formats

Integration with Other Libraries

Conclusion

Paths

Paths