[en] The development of concepts of anode phenomena in arc discharges in a gaseous medium over a wide pressure range, as well as in vacuum arcs, is discussed. The current state of these investigations is analyzed. Various forms of attachments of the arc to the anode and the results of experimental and theoretical investigations of these attachments are described. Considerable attention is paid to investigations of the conditions and causes of transitions between the different forms of attachments-diffuse and contracted. (topical review)