Development of high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies that omit time consuming and labour intensive cloning steps have opened unprecedented possibilities in life sciences. Massive scale generation of raw sequences requires constant improvement of computational methods of data analysis. New disciplines of genomics, metagenomics and transcriptomics have emerged which revolutionize experimental approach to different fields of biology. Both basic studies, such as species evolution or microbial ecology, and applied sciences of biotechnology and medicine greatly from the new tools available. In this article next-generation DNA sequencing technologies are reviewed. Information on data analysis and applications is also provided.