I am very familiar with the Windows GDI graphics API and there is a function I have been missing for ages: how to draw a dot ?
By a dot, I mean a small pattern of pixels, say a 3x3 or 5x5 square (possibly with corners omitted), all the same color.
My constrains are that I want to do this efficiently and with as little resources as possible.
I could use the SetPixel function as many times as required (25 calls for a 5x5 square).
I could probably use the MoveTo/LineTo calls with a thick pen twice on the same coordinates. But I am unsure that this will generate a full dot, and I don't like the idea of creating a dedicated pen.
I can also use the Rectangle or Ellipse function, but these ones draw the outline and fill the inside and must be an overkill for such a tiny shape. (Not counting the fact that they require a dedicated pen and a dedicated brush.)
Do you have any insight on what could be an efficient and handy approach ? How would you do that ?
At least as far as I know, none of the available options is really ideal. That given, it seems to me that FillRect is probably the least problematic.
This requires that you create a brush of the correct color, but at least that's all it requires.