Binary evolution

Consideration of mass transfer and mass loss processes allows the explanation of the existence of well determined groups of binaries, such as Algols, cataclysmic variables, massive and low-mass X-ray binaries. The characteristics of these groups are briefly outlined, and evolutionary scenarios are discussed. The importance of detailed observations for advances in evolutionary computations are stressed. It is argued that, although the links between the mentioned groups of binaries and their progenitors is rather well known, the situation is completely different if the detailed evolutionary history for a given system is required. (author). 99 refs