Book excerpt: This book covers the essentials of phase-stepping algorithms used in interferometry and pseudointerferometric techniques. It presents the basic concepts and mathematics needed for understanding modern phase estimation methods. The book first focuses on phase retrieval from image transforms using a single frame. It then examines the local environment of a fringe pattern, the phase estimation approach based on local polynomial phase modeling, temporal high-resolution phase evaluation methods, and methods of phase unwrapping. It also discusses experimental imperfections liable to adversely influence the accuracy of phase measurements.