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Lattice gauge theory with staggered fermions: how, where, and why (not)

Many results from lattice QCD of broad importance to particle and nuclear physics are obtained with 2+1 flavors of staggered sea quarks. In the continuum limit, staggered fermions yield four species, called tastes. To reduce the number of tastes to one (per flavor), the simulation employs the fourth root of the four-taste staggered fermion determinant. This talk surveys evidence in favor of this procedure, refutes recent criticisms, and reviews recent algorithmic and technical improvements. Physics results are covered in other plenary talks.