Silanes are silicon compounds that can be divided into five important industrial groups: those containing Si–H (hydride functional silanes), Si–X (halosilanes), Si–C (organosilanes), Si–OSi (siloxanes), and Si–OR (silicon esters). Inorganic and organic hydride and halogen functional silanes are discussed. Physical and chemical properties are covered as are their manufacture and application in such areas as feedstocks for other classes of silicon compounds, fumed silica, and semiconductor silicon and silicones. Economic aspects of the production and utilization of silanes include estimates of semiconductor‐grade silicon production.