Progress in the field of axonal regeneration research has been like the process of axonal growth itself: there is steady progress toward reaching the target, but there are episodes of mistargeting, misguidance along false routes, and connections that must later be withdrawn. This primer will address issues in the study of axonal growth after central nervous system injury in an attempt to provide guidance toward the goal of progress in the field. We address definitions of axonal growth, sprouting and regeneration after injury, and the research tools to assess growth.