Quantum chromodynamics and multiplicity distributions

The quantum chromodynamics (QCD) approach to the problem of multiplicity distributions in high-energy particle collisions is described. The solutions of QCD equations for generating functions of the multiplicity distributions in gluon and quark jets are presented both for fixed and for running coupling constants. Characteristics have been found which are very sensitive to distributions shapes. The predictions are compared with experimental data. Evolution of the multiplicity distributions with decreasing phase space windows is considered and discussed in relation to the notions of intermittency and fractality. Some other QCD effects are briefly described.