Pell equations can be solved using continued fractions. I have heard that some elliptic curves can be "solved" using continued fractions. Is this true?
Which Diophantine equations other than Pell equations can be solved for rational or integer points using continued fractions? If there are others, what are some good references?
Edit:
Professor Elkies has given an excellent response as to the role of continued fractions in solving general Diophantine equations including elliptic curves. What are some other methods to solve the Diophantine equations $$X^2 - \Delta Y^2 = 4 Z^3$$ and $$18 x y + x^2 y^2 - 4 x^3 - 4 y^3 - 27 = D z^2 ?$$
