Linear fractional mappings: invariant sets, semigroups and commutativity

We study commutativity and embeddability (into continuous semi-groups) properties of linear fractional self-mappings of the open unit disk in the complex plane. The common thread in our approach is the classical notion of the Kœnigs function which we use in each of the three possible cases (dilation, hyperbolic and parabolic). Since we are interested in a classical subject, the paper is written in the style of a survey, in order to make it accessible to a wider audience. Therefore it contains, in addition to our new results, an exposition of most relevant facts. Dedicated to Professor Felix E. Browder with admiration and respect