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What is the difference between points and pixels in graphics and image display?

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Answer from AI

In the context of graphics and image rendering in iOS:

  • Pixels are the smallest elements of an image on the screen, physical points of light that form the image. The number of pixels depends on the screen resolution.

  • Points are logical measurement units used in UIKit for positioning and sizing interface elements. Points are independent of the physical resolution of the screen.

On devices with Retina displays, one point corresponds to multiple pixels (for example, 1 point = 2x2 pixels on a 2x density screen). This allows developers to create interfaces that look the same on screens with different pixel densities.

Example: if a UIView has a width of 100 points, on a 2x density screen, it will occupy 200 pixels in width.

Thus, points are an abstraction for ease of development, while pixels are the physical elements of the screen.

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