Bézier curve

A Bézier curve is a type of parametric curve (a curve defined by a set of equations changing in respect to another variable) that is used in computer graphics and related fields. It is used to define curves of very specific shapes. Such curves can be adjusted to become curvier or straighter depending on the geometric shape (such as a triangle) used to create the curve.

Bézier path in Adobe Illustrator

Animated diagram of a Bézier curve being drawn based on a triangle

In computer science, they are used to make specific curve shapes. In programs such as Adobe Illustrator or Microsoft PowerPoint, increasing the line symbol of a curve will increase the curviness of the curve.

These curves are extremely versatile, but cannot mimic 'simple shapes' like circles exactly. However, by combining these curves together they can get arbitrarily close, 0.1% error in the radius.^[1]