Why use the pen tool over the line, shapes, paintbrush, and pencil tools?

When properly used, the tools in adobe illustrator can have a dynamic effect. It is of particular importance to master the drawing tools as they are the basis of defining the objects. All of the drawing tools have their strengths and weaknesses, however the most dynamic of the lot is the pen tool. It allows for greater precision when drawing objects with irregular shapes, as it offers useful handle guides which allow you to better control the angle of corners and shapes of curves. Hence when used properly allow for smoother transitions between anchor points. With the other tools such as the pencil tool, this much assistance is not offered and so the drawings are basically done “free hand” which leaves much room for inaccuracy, especially when using the mouse and not a device with touch technology.