This paper reviews methods that have been suggested by the development literature on diagnostics. We subdivide the variety of diagnostics into three types: revealing the most binding constraints to economy-wide growth; selecting sectors in which to diversify; and identifying sources of sectoral underperformance. Each diagnostic method is judged on whether it: provides a structured way of performing diagnostics; directs analysts towards the right questions; and is efficient in its use of data and resources. After reviewing a variety of methods, we argue that, with respect to growth diagnostics, the best approach is to combine Hausmann’s, Rodrik and Velasco’s Growth Diagnostics with more encompassing and forward-looking methods. In sectoral selection, Hausmann and Hidalgo’s 'Product Space' analysis can serve as an adequate base for choosing sectors in which to diversify, but this method must be tempered by a much more diverse set of indicators that matter for sectoral choice. Finally, diagnostics at the sectoral level can be performed through a sequence of methods: starting from easily collectable perceptions data and progressing to more data-heavy techniques, depending on the time and resources available.