Reviews methods of magnet design and materials configuration approaches that were found to be most suitable for high-current-density Nb/sub 3/Sn high-field tape type magnets. Also discussed are stability and mechanical and thermal design criteria, with a view towards their applicability to the new, high-temperature superconductor (HTS) materials and high-field magnets. The stability regime of high-temperature superconductors has been analyzed in a manner similar to that previously applied to low-temperature superconductors. The parameters of the conductor which affect stability are temperature dependent, such as the heat capacity; hence, operation at increased temperature can change the stability performance of conductors. The ceramic HTS superconductors may be used in the future at different temperatures depending on the application. In the lower temperature range, the analysis appears to suggest that simple adiabatic stabilization may not suffice for wide tape conductors. Thus, the principles of full penetration stability, utilized heretofore for Nb/sub 3/Sn tape magnets, may be applicable to the stable performance of ceramic superconductors in the intermediate temperature range.< >