Ultrashort pulse (USP) lasers have spearheaded great innovations in science and technology, as evidenced in their wide range of applications from chirped pulse amplification to optical frequency comb-associated precision spectroscopy and from super-resolution fluorescence microscopy to femtosecond chemistry. These outstanding scientific achievements (respectively awarded by the 2018 and 2005 Nobel Prizes in Physics, and 2014 and 1998 Nobel Prizes in Chemistry) have sufficed to evidence the profound and far reaching influence of USP laser on the innovations of science and technology, and the cognitive power of humankind. Herein, we review some of the fundamental knowledge regarding the main characteristics, characterization methods, and generation and amplification methods of USP lasers. Specifications and optical schematics of industrial USP laser systems, as well as the subject of how to select USP laser parameters for practical applications, are specially discussed. A pedagogical “ultrafast laser optics” learning map is also introduced for providing an overall picture of this fast advancing and extremely fascinating field.