Photopolymerizations are chain reactions in which propagating active centers (free radicals or cations) are produced by a photochemical event. The use of light, rather than heat, to initiate the polymerization offers several advantages, including spatial and temporal control, energy efficiency, and high polymerization rates. In addition, cationic photopolymerizations offer advantages over their free‐radical counterparts since they are not inhibited by oxygen and may continue to react long after the illumination has ceased. This article provides an overview of the important aspects of cationic photopolymerizations, including initiators, monomers, and polymerization kinetics. Commonly used photoinitiator systems for ultraviolet or visible light have been described, and the reaction mechanisms have been explored. The photoinitiation step is especially important because it is the step that distinguishes these reactions from their thermally initiated counterparts. A description of traditional cationically polymerizable monomers as well as recently developed, highly reactive monomers is also provided. Finally, representative kinetic rate expressions have been presented to illustrate the link between the reaction mechanism and the polymerization rate, and to identify the important variables that affect the polymerization. This article provides a valuable resource for any scientist or engineer who is considering cationic photopolymerizations for a study or an application.