In order to optimize the design of discrete variable structure of discrete variables,related scholars structure optimization design theory and method,and a large amount of research have made many beneficial results.On the basis of summarizing the predecessors' research,the structure optimization design of discrete variables current theory and its development were introduced.In order to make people know more about the discrete structural optimization more,structure optimization design method was classified according to the time sequence of discrete variables,and now some practical several discrete structural methods of optimization system analysis in the advantages were proved,at the same time,some of the more popular improving methods were introduced.Then the ant colony algorithm was pointed out to be a promising optimization method.The future development of the theory and method of the characteristics of structure optimization design of discrete variables was study tentatively according to its character.