Gamma‐ray bursts are being detected with unprecedented sensitivity by the Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) on the Compton Gamma Ray observatory since its launch in April, 1991. The experiment is detecting about one gamma‐ray burst per day. A brief description is presented of the on‐orbit performance of BATSE, the methods of identification of bursts, and examples of the diverse time profiles of the gamma‐ray bursts observed. The most significant finding thus far is the apparent isotropy of the bursts together with the observed inhomogeneity of the sources.