The most common applications 01 the laser processing 01 metallic and intermetallic surfaces are presented. The advantages 01 this technology are deduced Irom the basic principles 01the interaction 01laser light w"h metallic materials. Applicetions, like superficial hardening and surface cleaning and alloying, are extensions 01 exi:rting processes beneming by the specific advantages 01laser annealing. Other ones, like de,position 01 passivating or wear·resistant coatings, exploit photochemical reactions induced in gas-phase or at metallic and semiconducting surfaces by UV or high intens"y laser beams.