Some of the basic properties of star formation in starburst galaxies are reviewed. I discuss triggering and termination mechanisms in starbursts and provide estimates of star-formation rates. Galaxies with ongoing star formation at low and high redshift are compared.

Gas processes affecting star formation are reviewed with an emphasis on gravitational and magnetic instabilities as a source of turbulence. Gravitational instabilities are pervasive in a multi-phase medium, even for sub-threshold column densities, suggesting that only an ISM with a pure-warm phase can stop star formation. The instabilities generate turbulence, and this turbulence influences the...

An overview of the understanding of processes of star formation in the Magellanic Clouds, including a historical perspective, is given. The current status is reviewed with emphasis on evidence for sequential star formation in large associations, on optical and infrared discoveries of possible pre-main sequence objects in luminous young clusters and 30 Doradus. The history of star formation in b...