This paper presents an overview of experimental results and progress made in investigating density control using Li-coating, transport and L–H transitions in TJ-II. The Li-coating changes drastically the plasma–wall interaction, decreasing the recycling, and enlarges substantially the operational range of the device delaying the appearance of radiative collapse that happens for higher densities, which permits confinement properties of much denser plasmas to be studied. Moreover, L–H mode transition has only been achieved after Li-coating in TJ-II. The effect of rational surfaces on heat transport is studied showing a decrease in heat diffusivity close to their position, and it is also seen that rational surfaces located in the edge make L–H transition easier. TJ-II findings provide a new guideline for understanding the trigger mechanism of the L–H transition pointing out the importance of low frequency fluctuating sheared E × B flows. The properties of fast-ion confinement are described as well as the effects of impurities on radiation profiles, showing two types of profiles the bell and the dome shape, the latter being more prone to radiative collapse.