The article reviews the evolution and synthesis of carbon dots (CDs), highlighting the emergence of a new class of CDs called carbonized polymer dots (CPDs). CPDs are characterized by their polymer/carbon hybrid structures and properties, which distinguish them from traditional CDs. The synthesis methods of CDs, particularly bottom-up methods, are detailed, and the effects of synthesis conditions on the structure and properties of CPDs are discussed. The article also explores the nucleation mechanism and formation process of CPDs, and provides insights into their future applications. CPDs exhibit unique properties such as high oxygen/nitrogen content, excellent aqueous solubility, and high photoluminescence quantum yield, making them promising for various applications including biomedicine, anticounterfeiting, sensing, catalysis, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The review emphasizes the importance of understanding the synthesis conditions and the impact of these conditions on the final product, offering valuable insights for future research and development.The article reviews the evolution and synthesis of carbon dots (CDs), highlighting the emergence of a new class of CDs called carbonized polymer dots (CPDs). CPDs are characterized by their polymer/carbon hybrid structures and properties, which distinguish them from traditional CDs. The synthesis methods of CDs, particularly bottom-up methods, are detailed, and the effects of synthesis conditions on the structure and properties of CPDs are discussed. The article also explores the nucleation mechanism and formation process of CPDs, and provides insights into their future applications. CPDs exhibit unique properties such as high oxygen/nitrogen content, excellent aqueous solubility, and high photoluminescence quantum yield, making them promising for various applications including biomedicine, anticounterfeiting, sensing, catalysis, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The review emphasizes the importance of understanding the synthesis conditions and the impact of these conditions on the final product, offering valuable insights for future research and development.