  We study the inclusive production of $\Lambda$ ($\bar \Lambda$) in several
high energy collision processes ($e^+e^-, e^{\pm}p, \nu (\bar \nu)p, pp$), in
view of an accurate determination of the unpolarized and polarized
fragmentation functions of a quark into a $\Lambda$ ($\bar \Lambda$).
  For polarized fragmentation functions the inaccuracy and the scarcity of
present data do not allow to distinguish between various theoretical models. We
will indicate how future measurements will provide ways to discriminate between
them and also how to achieve a necessary quark flavor separation. A possible
extension to the production of the other hyperons ($\Sigma^{\pm,0},
\Xi^{-,0}$), will be also briefly discussed.
