  Resolvent analysis is a powerful tool that can reveal the linear
amplification mechanisms between the forcing inputs and the response outputs
about a base flow. These mechanisms can be revealed in terms of a pair of
forcing and response modes and the associated gains (amplification magnitude)
in the order of energy contents at a given frequency. The linear relationship
that ties the forcing and the response is represented through the resolvent
operator (transfer function), which is constructed through spatially
discretizing the linearized Navier-Stokes operator. One of the unique strengths
of resolvent analysis is its ability to analyze statistically stationary
turbulent flows. In light of the increasing interest in using resolvent
analysis to study a variety of flows, we offer this guide in hopes of removing
the hurdle for students and researchers to initiate the development of a
resolvent analysis code and its applications to their problems of interest. To
achieve this goal, we discuss various aspects of resolvent analysis and its
role in identifying dominant flow structures about the base flow. The
discussion in this paper revolves around the compressible Navier-Stokes
equations in the most general manner. We cover essential considerations ranging
from selecting the base flow and appropriate energy norms to the intricacies of
constructing the linear operator and performing eigenvalue and singular value
decompositions. Throughout the paper, we offer details and know-how that may
not be available to readers in a collective manner elsewhere. Towards the end
of this paper, examples are offered to demonstrate the practical applicability
of resolvent analysis, aiming to guide readers through its implementation and
inspire further extensions. We invite readers to consider resolvent analysis as
a companion for their research endeavors.
