Final answer:
Soft copper tubing can be joined by soldering, brazing, or using compression fittings, each with their own applications in metalworking and plumbing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Soft copper tubing can be joined by several methods: soldering, brazing, and the use of compression fittings. Each method has its own merits and particular uses within plumbing and metalworking. Soldering employs a filler material (solder) that is melted and applied to bind metal parts together, and it often requires a heat source such as a propane torch. Brazing, similar to soldering, involves melting a filler metal at higher temperatures to join copper parts. Compression fittings, on the other hand, are mechanical means to connect pipes without the need for heat, making them convenient for quick repairs or where the use of a torch is not possible.