[sdiy] capacitor primer?

[James Coplin]

OK, I'm hoping someone will help clarify some cap stuff for me.

I'm starting to acquire the parts for a couple of projects I'm building and
the kits spec some uF at some v.  When I go to purchase these there is a
large range of capacitors that fit the bill but are largely made from
different materials. So...

What are the tradeoffs in the various kinds of caps and their strengths?
How do I determine if I want an electrolytic, or polyester, or ceramic, or
tantalum, or etc. etc.

Thanks!

James