The time profiles of the solar microwave emission exhibit various phenomona reflecting the evolution of magnetic flux tubes before and during the onset of flare events. Different scenarios are posslble to describe the processes of energy release in a flux tube and the interaction of a number of tubes during the preflare stage and the early flare development, Multi-peak structures at quite
different time scales displayed by flux records at mm-, cm-, and dm-waves are examined; they rise the question how to distinguish between repeated energy release at one site and the propagation of the flare disturbances over an extended source area, A discussion of observed time scales and released energy in the frame of some scenarios is carried out.
Part I of this review considers the outcome of different methods of observation of active regions at mm- and cm-v/aves exploring the source structures and parameters in the chromosphere and corona. Calculations of emission models invoking bremsstrahlung and gyromagnetic radiation are summarlzed applying for a great
variety of physical conditions. Diagnostic capacities of different kinds of microwave burst emission are briefly taken into account.
Part II of the review considers the dm- and m-radio spectral observations as diagnostic tool for the determination of plasma parameters in the coronal parts of solar active regions. The main attention is devoted to the radio diagnoetics of solar flares. The most important types of dm- and m-radio bursts are presented.
the latest theoretical and observational results summarized and their diagnostic aapects briefly discussed.