Abstract Atomic lattices are not static ensembles of atoms. Rather, the atomic nuclei in solids are continually vibrating. Various factors such as temperature, external electric or magnetic fields, pressure, etc . can affect these vibrations. The pattern of vibrations is structureand compound-dependent. Consequently one of its possible uses is determinative, as recorded in Raman and/or infrared spectra. Here we present briefly the theoretical basis of lattice dynamics in the density-functional perturbation theory formalism. Then we discuss in detail the formalism used to compute the Raman spectra, with both peak position and intensity. We exemplify with the WURM project, a freely available web-based repository of computed physical properties for minerals, focused around Raman spectra.