The ability to design, produce, analyze, and manage high quality combinator
ial libraries depends on the encoding strategy applied. Several recent adva
nces in encoding technology have extended the range of library design param
eters. Enhancements of established techniques have made them more robust an
d versatile, while additional new and creative encoding concepts have been
introduced. With better options now available, combinatorial chemists can m
ore easily select an encoding technique to match resources, library design,
and compound management criteria.