BEGIN_PATH

short Escape(hdc, BEGIN_PATH, NULL, NULL, NULL)

The BEGIN_PATH printer escape opens a path. A path is a connected sequence of primitives drawn in succession to form a single polyline or polygon. Paths enable applications to draw complex borders, filled shapes, and clipping regions by supplying a collection of other primitives to define the desired shape.

Printer escapes supporting paths enable applications to render images on sophisticated devices, such as PostScript printers, without generating huge polygons to simulate the images.

To draw a path, an application first issues the BEGIN_PATH escape. Then it draws the primitives defining the border of the desired shape and issues an END_PATH escape, which includes a parameter specifying how the path is to be rendered.

Parameters

hdc

HDC Identifies the device context.

Return Value

The return value specifies the current path nesting level. This value is the number of calls to the BEGIN_PATH escape without a corresponding call to the END_PATH escape if the escape is successful. Otherwise, the return value is zero.

Comments

This escape is used only by PostScript printer drivers.

An application may begin a subpath within another path. If the subpath is closed, it is treated just like a polygon. If it is open, it is treated just like a polyline.

An application may use the CLIP_TO_PATH escape to define a clipping region corresponding to the interior or exterior of the currently open path.