The article reviews recent advancements in the engineering of hydrogels, which are three-dimensional networks formed by hydrophilic polymer chains embedded in a water-rich environment. These hydrogels have broad applications in biomedicine, soft electronics, sensors, and actuators. Key developments include improvements in mechanical properties, shear-thinning behavior, self-healing capabilities, and dynamic modulation. The review covers various methods for hydrogel formation, such as physical entanglement, chemical cross-linking, and molecular self-assembly, and discusses strategies for enhancing hydrogel performance through the integration of nanomaterials and stimuli-responsive molecules. Additionally, it explores techniques for precise control over hydrogel architecture, including photopatterning, 3D printing, and microengineering, to achieve complex structures and functionalities. The article also highlights the challenges and future directions in hydrogel engineering, emphasizing the need for rigorous testing and clinical translation, as well as the integration of hydrogels with advanced biofabrication techniques.The article reviews recent advancements in the engineering of hydrogels, which are three-dimensional networks formed by hydrophilic polymer chains embedded in a water-rich environment. These hydrogels have broad applications in biomedicine, soft electronics, sensors, and actuators. Key developments include improvements in mechanical properties, shear-thinning behavior, self-healing capabilities, and dynamic modulation. The review covers various methods for hydrogel formation, such as physical entanglement, chemical cross-linking, and molecular self-assembly, and discusses strategies for enhancing hydrogel performance through the integration of nanomaterials and stimuli-responsive molecules. Additionally, it explores techniques for precise control over hydrogel architecture, including photopatterning, 3D printing, and microengineering, to achieve complex structures and functionalities. The article also highlights the challenges and future directions in hydrogel engineering, emphasizing the need for rigorous testing and clinical translation, as well as the integration of hydrogels with advanced biofabrication techniques.