Spark-induced breakdown spectroscopy (SIBS) is a qualitative and quantitative analysis technology of substance concentration and composition based on atomic emission spectroscopy. Compared with traditional laboratory analytical techniques such as inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and mass spectroscopy, it has the advantages of real-time, in situ, on-line rapid detection, high sensitivity, low cost, small volume and simple maintenance. Currently, the existing researches on this technology focus on aerosol composition analysis, soil composition analysis, metal particle concentration detection, cement composition analysis and so on. It has extensive and promising applications in environmental monitoring, industrial health, food safety, biomedicine, etc. Starting with the basic principle of SIBS, this paper summarizes the principle of spectral analysis, which is that the electric spark generated by the high-voltage pulse power supply is used to excite the surface of the measured object so that the measured object generates plasma between the positive and negative poles of the power supply. The optical fiber probe of the spectrometer is used to collect the photons and characteristic radiation spectra released through the transition during the plasma cooling process. Because different elements have unique characteristic spectra, the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the composition and concentration of the measured substance can be carried out according to the characteristic spectrum; Then, related factors affecting the spectral image and spectral analysis of SIBS, such as the parameters of pulse power supply, electrode material and incident angle, and the characteristics of plasma itself, are analyzed, and the relationship between some factors and the intensity of spectral signal is pointed out quantitatively; This paper summarizes some technological innovations and application innovations like laser ablation assisted spark induced breakdown spectroscopy (LA-SIBS), high repetition rate laser ablation spark induced breakdown spectroscopy (HRR-LA-SIBS), ultrasonic atomization assisted spark induced breakdown spectroscopy (UN-SIBS), particle flow spark induced breakdown spectroscopy (PF-SIBS), etc. in the development process of SIBS, and briefly explains some application fields, application characteristics and enlightenment to the future development direction of SIBS technology. According to the principal defects of SIBS and some problems exposed in its application, the challenges faced by this technology are listed, such as equipment technology cost, spark energy, environmental noise, sample contamination, etc. Finally, the future research direction and development trend of spark induced breakdown spectroscopy is prospected.