This paper addresses the problem of modes detection for switching discrete-time linear and affine systems. A unified presentation of the model-based methods with the corresponding modes detectors is carried out and a comparative study is conducted. Next, the different notions of discernibility proposed in the literature are presented. Such notions are central since they guarantee the uniqueness of the solution delivered by the modes detectors. A complete step-by-step procedure of modes detection is proposed. The paper includes, whenever necessary, some extensions of the existing results.