The inherent brevity of ultrashort laser pulses prevents a direct measurement of their electric field as a function of time; therefore different approaches based on autocorrelation have been used to characterize them. We present a discussion, guided by experimental studies, regarding accurate measurement, compression, and shaping of ultrashort laser pulses without autocorrelation or interferometry. Our approach based on phase shaping, multiphoton intrapulse interference phase scan, provides a direct measurement of the spectral phase. Illustrations of this method include new results demonstrating wavelength independence, compatibility with sub-5 fs pulses, and a perfect match for experimental coherent control and biomedical imaging applications. © 2008 Optical Society of America.