Automorphism group actions in complex analysis

In this paper we describe the subject of automorphism groups of domains in complex space. This has been an active area of research for fifty years or more, and continues to be dynamic and developing today. We discuss noncompact automorphism groups, the Bun Wong/Rosay theorem, the Greene/Krantz conjecture, semicontinuity of automorphism groups, the method of scaling, and other current topics. Contributions from geometers, Lie theorists, analysts, and function theorists are described.