This paper reviews the core algorithms used in contemporary particle-in-cell (PIC) codes for laser-plasma interactions, highlighting recent advancements and applications. It covers the evolution of PIC methods from early electromagnetic codes to modern codes that incorporate high-order shape functions, Poisson-preserving field updates, collisional physics, ionization, and quantum electrodynamics (QED) effects. The authors present a detailed analysis of self-heating rates, convergence of collisional routines, and tests of ionization models, which are not widely available in the literature. The paper also discusses the implementation of these algorithms in the *EPOCH* code, which includes features such as high-order shape functions, current smoothing, and hybrid schemes for solid density and high-field QED effects. The review emphasizes the importance of accurate and convergent algorithms for reliable simulations, particularly in laser-plasma physics, where high-performance computing (HPC) is essential. The paper concludes with a discussion of recent high-profile PIC simulations that demonstrate the capabilities of modern PIC codes in modeling complex laser-plasma interactions.This paper reviews the core algorithms used in contemporary particle-in-cell (PIC) codes for laser-plasma interactions, highlighting recent advancements and applications. It covers the evolution of PIC methods from early electromagnetic codes to modern codes that incorporate high-order shape functions, Poisson-preserving field updates, collisional physics, ionization, and quantum electrodynamics (QED) effects. The authors present a detailed analysis of self-heating rates, convergence of collisional routines, and tests of ionization models, which are not widely available in the literature. The paper also discusses the implementation of these algorithms in the *EPOCH* code, which includes features such as high-order shape functions, current smoothing, and hybrid schemes for solid density and high-field QED effects. The review emphasizes the importance of accurate and convergent algorithms for reliable simulations, particularly in laser-plasma physics, where high-performance computing (HPC) is essential. The paper concludes with a discussion of recent high-profile PIC simulations that demonstrate the capabilities of modern PIC codes in modeling complex laser-plasma interactions.