Spatially restricted protein synthesis is an important mechanism for the development and maintenance of many morphologically polarized cells including neurons. While most proteins are synthesized in the neuronal soma and transported into axons and dendrites, a comparably small subset of mRNAs is transported into the periphery of the neurons and only translated in response to specific signals. Work over the last two decades has established the existence of local protein synthesis in axons and provided insight into the differences between between dendritic and axonal translation. In this talk we will review the importance of local protein synthesis for the development, regeneration and maintenance of axons and address open questions such as the specific advantages of localized protein synthesis and its potential role in the mature or degenerating nervous system.