CAN - what, why, how in 2015

[James3245]

Entering our 6th season our team is contemplating what new knowledge to pursue this year. We have never used CAN. From research of the new control system components, and motor controllers, I surmise that it is now easier to employ CAN, whatever it is.

I would greatly appreciate a 2015-oriented tutorial on the subject that is targeted toward those of us who are looking to wade in from the shallow end.

Specifically:

What is CAN (from an FRC perspective)?

Why would an FRC team use it?

How would a team use it with 2015 components?

What specialized skills/knowledge is necessary to implement it?

Thank you!