This document describes the key components and functioning of instrumentation used in x-ray diffraction. The main components are a radiation source like an x-ray tube, a collimator to narrow the beam, a monochromator to remove unwanted radiation, detectors like photographic film or counters, and associated electronics. X-ray tubes generate x-rays via the impact of electrons on a metal target. Collimators and monochromators shape and refine the x-ray beam before it interacts with the sample. Detectors then measure the diffraction pattern, with options including film, Geiger-Muller tubes, proportional counters, scintillators, and semiconductors.