What is a Path?
Path
A path is a linear object made of anchor points and lines. A path is created as you locate the anchor points and define the shape of the lines between them. Each of the lines between the anchor points can be either straight or curved. The position and direction of the anchor points determine the shape of the path. A path is composed of a starting anchor point and an ending anchor point. When the starting and ending anchor points are identical, the path is a closed path. When the starting and ending anchor points meet, the path is an open path.
Straight path and curved path
A straight path is created with consecutive anchor points without a curve handle and a curved path is created with consecutive anchor points with a curved handle. Click on the parts of the Canvas to draw straight paths as you add anchor points without curve handles using the Pen Tool 
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Locate the starting anchor point and second anchor point on the Canvas, and drag the mouse in the opposite direction of the displayed imaginary line drawn on the second anchor point. Release the mouse button when the path reaches the desired curve. You can specify the degree of curve for the curved path using the Direct Selection Tool 
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You can convert straight path anchor points to curved path anchor points and vice versa using the Convert Anchor Point Tool 
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