C* tensor categories are a point of contact where Operator Algebras and Quantum Field Theory meet. They are the underlying unifying concept for homomorphisms of (properly infinite) von Neumann algebras and representations of quantum observables.

The present introductory text reviews the basic notions and their cross-relations in different contexts. The focus is on Q-systems that serve as complete invariants, both for subfactors and for extensions of quantum field theory models.

It proceeds with various operations on Q-systems (several decompositions, the mirror Q-system,...