Production of strangeness in hot and cold nuclear matter induced by both leptonic and hadronic projectiles

Strangeness production by both hadronic and leptonic projectiles with beam energies of up to a few GeV is reviewed. The focus is on the production of strangeness using proton and ion beams, as well as the photo- and electroproduction of strangeness, as observed at modern facilities. The elementary production of K+- and phi mesons as well as Lambda, Sigma hyperons on the nucleon is described. Based on these results, the production of strange mesons and strange baryons on nuclear targets, as well as the creation of light hypernuclei is discussed, emphasizing the influence of the nuclear medium.