[Gimp-developer] Accessing Path in GEGL-based plug-in

[Saul Goode <saul crazyauntgail com>]

What is the proper way for a GEGL-based plug-in to grab the path points from the image's active path?

The examples that I've seen all seem to, for the most part, keep the GEGL operations separate from the GIMP interface (other than UI "chants"). 

Should a "standalone" GEGL operation be written separate from GIMP -- one that accepts path control points as parameters; and then a traditional GIMP plug-in be written which invokes the operation? If so, how should the two entities be packaged (should the GEGL op go in $HOME/.local/)? And how should the plug-in check for existence of the operation?