The article discusses the evolution and synthesis of carbon dots (CDs), focusing on a new classification called carbonized polymer dots (CPDs). CDs are carbon-based nanomaterials with unique optical and physical properties, making them valuable for applications in biomedicine, photovoltaics, and optoelectronics. The article highlights the development of CPDs, which have a hybrid structure of polymer and carbon, distinguishing them from traditional CDs like graphene quantum dots (GQDs), carbon quantum dots (CQDs), and carbon nanodots (CNDs). CPDs are synthesized through bottom-up methods, including hydrothermal, solvothermal, and microwave-assisted techniques, which allow for precise control over their structure and properties. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding the synthesis conditions and mechanisms that influence the optical and structural properties of CPDs. It also discusses the photoluminescence mechanisms of CPDs, including the contributions from molecular states, surface states, and crosslink-enhanced emission (CEE). The synthesis methods of CDs are reviewed, with a focus on the bottom-up approaches that enable the production of CPDs with tailored properties. The article concludes with a perspective on the future development of CDs, emphasizing the need for further research to enhance their performance in various applications.The article discusses the evolution and synthesis of carbon dots (CDs), focusing on a new classification called carbonized polymer dots (CPDs). CDs are carbon-based nanomaterials with unique optical and physical properties, making them valuable for applications in biomedicine, photovoltaics, and optoelectronics. The article highlights the development of CPDs, which have a hybrid structure of polymer and carbon, distinguishing them from traditional CDs like graphene quantum dots (GQDs), carbon quantum dots (CQDs), and carbon nanodots (CNDs). CPDs are synthesized through bottom-up methods, including hydrothermal, solvothermal, and microwave-assisted techniques, which allow for precise control over their structure and properties. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding the synthesis conditions and mechanisms that influence the optical and structural properties of CPDs. It also discusses the photoluminescence mechanisms of CPDs, including the contributions from molecular states, surface states, and crosslink-enhanced emission (CEE). The synthesis methods of CDs are reviewed, with a focus on the bottom-up approaches that enable the production of CPDs with tailored properties. The article concludes with a perspective on the future development of CDs, emphasizing the need for further research to enhance their performance in various applications.