Large-momentum-transfer production of direct photons, jets, and particles

The theoretical framework for describing the production of direct photons in hadronic collisions is reviewed. A detailed comparison between the theoretical predictions and existing data is presented along with a critical evaluation of the various sources of theoretical uncertainty. The information available from direct-photon experiments is contrasted with that learned from jet or single-hadron production. Prospects for new types of measurements in future experiments are also presented.