High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is described, including the basic principles and components of HPLC systems. HPLC uses high pressure to pass a liquid mobile phase through a column packed with solid adsorbent particles or porous beads. This allows for separation of mixtures based on differences in how components partition between the stationary and mobile phases. Key components reviewed are the solvent reservoirs, pump, injector, column, and detectors. Common applications of HPLC mentioned are qualitative and quantitative analysis of both volatile and non-volatile compounds.