Abstract: Based on literature investigation, the basic contents of gas pipeline operation optimization such as optimization mode, optimization approaches, objective function, constraint conditions and solving methods are discussed according to recent research results. Research shows that steady state optimization could be chosen for trunk line networks in most cases; main factors influencing on optimization difficulty and complexity are feasi ble domain constraint of compressors, pipeline network flow equations constraint and discrete variables in optimization model; dynamic programming is an effective method for solving branch pipeline networks; and neighborhood search algorithms have low requirements, but its practicability needs further study.