First let me back the idea of reading a good book. Never the less some personal comments:(posted 8859 days ago)There are different developer types available:
Ilford ID 11/Kodak D-76, (Metol,Hydrochinone)traditional formulas, universal developer.Split D-76 seems to work nicely with HP5.
Fine grain developer like Ilford Perceptol, Agfa Atomal FF, usually film speed is reduced. E.g. Tri-X in Atomal FF gives less grain but also less definition.
Xtol, is a rather new developer, based on vitamine C/phenidone, works very well for Delta Films. Usually used 1:1 or 1:2 as one-shot.
Push-developer, Tetenal Ultrafin Plus, Ilford Microphen (HQ/phenidone) will give a higher filmspeed, try one of these for HP5/Tri-X up to 1600-3200.
Compensating developers, Tetenal Emofin, Rodinal 1:100, Split D-76 reduce contrast by exhaustion of dev. in the highlights, useful for high contrast stuff like stage.
Accutance developers, Tetenal Neofin red/blue, Rodinal, give higher sharpness with slightly increased grain.
See you have plenty to choose from!
Wolfram