Shape

Introduction
In FreeCAD the word "Shape" is normally used to refer to a Part TopoShape ( class), a type of object that gives an element its 3D geometrical and parametric representation (cube, pyramid, sphere, cylinder, fusion, etc.).

Essentially all objects that are displayed in the 3D view have a TopoShape, with the exception of "Meshes", which have a MeshObject ( class).

See Part TopoShape for more information about this type of object.

Usage
Shapes are normally created by internal functions of the Part Workbench, and are ultimately defined by the OpenCASCADE Technology kernel (OCCT).

Once a Shape is created, it can be used and modified by all workbenches by creating scripted objects around that Shape.

Essentially, every object derived from a Part Feature ( class) is expected to hold and manipulate a Shape.