Which tool would you use to make precise edits to paths or shapes in Illustrator?

The Direct Selection Tool is specifically designed for making precise edits to paths or shapes within Adobe Illustrator. This tool allows users to select individual anchor points or segments of a path, which facilitates detailed adjustments and modifications. For instance, you can click and drag anchor points to reshape an object or manipulate segments independently, giving you fine control over your designs.

Other tools like the Shape Tool are primarily used for creating basic geometric forms rather than editing existing paths. The Pathfinder Tool is used for combining and manipulating multiple shapes in broader ways, such as merging or subdividing shapes rather than making precise adjustments to a single path. The Rotate Tool is intended for rotating objects around a specified point and does not provide the same level of control for path editing as the Direct Selection Tool.