This text provides a comprehensive treatment of the principles and algorithms of VLSI physical design, presenting the concepts and algorithms. Each chapter contains 3-4 algorithms that are discussed in detail and additional algorithms are presented in a somewhat shorter format. References to advanced algorithms are also presented at the end of each chapter. Recent developments have significantly altered the VLSI field: over-the-cell routing and early floorplanning have come to occupy a central place in the physical design flow. This introduces a realistic picture to the reader, exposing the concerns facing the VLSI industry. The textual material is supplemented and clarified by many helpful figures.