Optimization methods are techniques used to find the best solution to a problem from a set of possible choices. These methods are widely applied in various fields, including mathematics, engineering, and computer science. They help in maximizing or minimizing a particular objective, such as cost, time, or efficiency. Common optimization methods include linear programming, which deals with linear relationships, and genetic algorithms, which mimic natural selection to explore solutions. Other techniques, like gradient descent, are used to find the minimum of a function by iteratively moving in the direction of the steepest descent.