D and L refer to the stereochemistry of the highest numbered chiral center.
    
  The D isomer is always dextrorotatory and L is levorotatory.
    
  D-glyceraldehyde is the (+) isomer.
    
  In a properly drawn Fisher diagram the D isomer has the hydroxide group to the right.
    
  The configuration of other chiral centers is indicated by the name of the compound.