 The bottom-up methods for synthesizing carbon dots, CDs, remain the most widely used route to produce large-scale and low-cost CDs, but recent advancements have led to significant changes in structure and property features, prompting a new classification of CDs called carbonized polymer dots, CPDs. CPDs possess unique polymers slash carbon hybrid structures and properties, making them an emerging class of CDs. The synthesis methods of CDs are summarized, and the effects of synthesis conditions on the structure and properties of CPDs are discussed comprehensively. Insights into the formation process and nucleation mechanism of CPDs are also provided, along with a perspective on future development and potential applications in various fields. This article was authored by Chun Lai Xia, Shou Jiu and Zhu, Tang Lu Feng, and others.