Latest trends in the ever-surprising field of mass measurements

The binding energy of the nucleus, from its mass, continues to be of importance -not only for various aspects of nuclear physics itself, but for other branches of physics such as weak-interaction studies and stellar nucleosynthesis. The number of dedicated programs is increasing worldwide with recent results reflecting experimental achievements worthy of admiration. A brief description is offered of the modern experimental techniques dedicated to the particularly challenging task of measuring the mass of exotic nuclides and detailed comparisons are made in order to present future projects in a critical perspective. (orig.)