The low-to-high confinement mode transition (L–H transition) is one of the key elements in achieving a self-sustained burning fusion reaction. Although there is no doubt that the mean and/or oscillating radial electric field plays a role in triggering and sustaining the edge transport barrier, the detailed underlying physics are yet to be unveiled. In this special topic paper, the remarkable progress achieved in recent years is reviewed for two different aspects: (i) the radial electric field driving procedure and (ii) the turbulent transport suppression mechanism. Experimental observations in different devices show possible conflicting natures for these phenomena, which cannot be resolved solely by conventional paradigms. New insights obtained by combining different model concepts successfully reconcile these conflicts.