Some recent developments in the understanding of the oxidation of alloys at elevated temperatures are reviewed, with special reference to binary and ternary alloys upon which many commercial materials are based. Following an initial classification of alloy systems, certain basic principles and their limitations are considered, including factors determining whether an alloy displays surface scaling only, internal oxidation only, or both phenomena; the mode of distribution of cations in an oxide solid solution growing on an alloy; and doping and the Wagner-Hauffe rules. Previous alloy oxidation theory has concerned itself principally with steady-state oxidation but, in practice, behavior of the oxidizing sample in approaching the steady state, both upon initial exposure to the environment and after scale spalling induced isothermally or during thermal cycling, is often as important. Such behavior is illustrated in terms of scale establishment and with respect to compositional changes in the subjacent alloy, the importance of certain alloy and oxide properties being emphasized. After further brief consideration of steady-state scaling, the causes and consequences of breakaway oxidation are presented. The role of major and minor concentrations of third elements on scaling behavior is discussed. The paper concludes with brief reference to situations not considered in detail and with aspects requiring further study.