The ath-order fractional Fourier transform is a generalization of the ordinary Fourier transform such that the zeroth-order fractional Fourier transform operation is equal to the identity operation and the first-order fractional Fourier transform is equal to the ordinary Fourier transform. This paper discusses the relationship of the fractional Fourier transform to harmonic oscillation; both correspond to rotation in phase space. Various important properties of the transform are discussed along with examples of common transforms. Some of the applications of the transform are briefly reviewed.