The paper presents a binary evolution algorithm that models complex binary systems, including mass transfer, common-envelope evolution, and tidal interactions. It investigates the effect of tidal friction on binary evolution, showing that tidal effects are crucial for accurate population synthesis. Tidal synchronization is important, but since orbits generally circularize before Roche lobe overflow, the outcome of interactions with the same semilatus rectum is largely independent of eccentricity. Therefore, initial eccentricity distributions are not necessary in population synthesis, but initial separations should follow the observed distribution of semilatus recta. The algorithm includes detailed single-star evolution models and accounts for various processes such as Roche lobe overflow, common-envelope evolution, and angular momentum loss. It also considers tidal effects on orbital circularization and synchronization, with different damping mechanisms for convective, radiative, and degenerate stars. The results show that tidal evolution significantly affects binary populations, and that tidal circularization timescales are generally much shorter than those from other mechanisms. The paper discusses the effects of tidal evolution on binary systems, including the synchronization of stellar rotation with orbital motion and the circularization of orbits. It also addresses the role of gravitational radiation and magnetic braking in binary evolution, showing that magnetic braking can dominate in certain cases. The study highlights the importance of tidal effects in binary evolution and the need to include them in population synthesis models to draw accurate conclusions. The paper also discusses the effects of supernova kicks on binary systems and the treatment of Roche lobe overflow, including dynamical and nuclear mass transfer processes. The results show that tidal effects are crucial for understanding binary evolution and the formation of various binary systems.The paper presents a binary evolution algorithm that models complex binary systems, including mass transfer, common-envelope evolution, and tidal interactions. It investigates the effect of tidal friction on binary evolution, showing that tidal effects are crucial for accurate population synthesis. Tidal synchronization is important, but since orbits generally circularize before Roche lobe overflow, the outcome of interactions with the same semilatus rectum is largely independent of eccentricity. Therefore, initial eccentricity distributions are not necessary in population synthesis, but initial separations should follow the observed distribution of semilatus recta. The algorithm includes detailed single-star evolution models and accounts for various processes such as Roche lobe overflow, common-envelope evolution, and angular momentum loss. It also considers tidal effects on orbital circularization and synchronization, with different damping mechanisms for convective, radiative, and degenerate stars. The results show that tidal evolution significantly affects binary populations, and that tidal circularization timescales are generally much shorter than those from other mechanisms. The paper discusses the effects of tidal evolution on binary systems, including the synchronization of stellar rotation with orbital motion and the circularization of orbits. It also addresses the role of gravitational radiation and magnetic braking in binary evolution, showing that magnetic braking can dominate in certain cases. The study highlights the importance of tidal effects in binary evolution and the need to include them in population synthesis models to draw accurate conclusions. The paper also discusses the effects of supernova kicks on binary systems and the treatment of Roche lobe overflow, including dynamical and nuclear mass transfer processes. The results show that tidal effects are crucial for understanding binary evolution and the formation of various binary systems.