The Physics of the Higgs-like Boson

Abstract

The present knowledge on the Higgs-like boson discovered at the LHC is summarized. The data accumulated so far are consistent with the Standard Model predictions and put interesting constraints on alternative scenarios of electroweak symmetry breaking. The measured couplings to gauge bosons and third-generation fermions indicate that a Higgs particle has indeed been found. More precise data are needed to clarify whether it is the unique Higgs boson of the Standard Model or the first member of a new variety of dynamical (either elementary or composite) fields.