<p>The handbook on formal optimization discusses background/literature review, optimization method description including mathematical formulation, flowcharts/pseudocodes, illustrations, problems and application(s), results and critical discussions, flowcharts/pseudocodes, etc. The editors have brought together almost every aspect of this enormous field of formal optimization such as mathematical and Bayesian optimization, neural networks and deep learning, genetic algorithms and applications, hybrid optimization methods, combinatorial optimization, constraint handling in optimization methods, swarm-based optimization, among others. The handbook serves as a complete reference discussing a wide aspect of formal optimization methods. This handbook will be useful for experts as well as non-specialists as they will find the material stimulating. The book covers research trends, challenges, and prospective topics as well.</p>