X-ray properties of spiral galaxies

X-ray studies of nearby spiral galaxies with star formation allow us to investigate temperature and spatial distribution of the hot diffuse plasma, and to carry out individual and statistical studies of different classes of discrete sources (low- and high-mass X-ray binaries, Supernova remnants, supersoft and ultra-luminous sources). In particular, we briefly review the different models proposed to explain the ultra-luminous sources. We can then use the X-ray properties of a galaxy to probe its star formation history. We choose the starburst spiral M 83 to illustrate some of these issues.