This document provides an introduction to piping fittings and components. It defines piping as the assembly of straight and bent pipes, fittings, gaskets, valves and other components used to transport liquids, gases, and other flowable substances. The document distinguishes between pipes and tubes, and provides technical terms related to pipes such as piping class, pipe sizing, pipe wall thickness, and pipe lengths. It also describes common pipe joining methods like butt welding, socket welding, screwed, and flanged, including their advantages and disadvantages.