Narrow linewidth light source is a prerequisite for high-performance coherent optical communication and sensing. Waveguide-based external cavity narrow linewidth semiconductor lasers (WEC-NLSLs) have become a competitive and attractive candidate for many coherent applications due to their small size, volume, low energy consumption, low cost and the ability to integrate with other optical components. In this paper, we present an overview of WEC-NLSLs from their required technologies to the state-of-the-art progress. Moreover, we highlight the common problems occurring to current WEC-NLSLs and show the possible approaches to resolving the issues. Finally, we present the possible development directions for the next phase and hope this review will be beneficial to the advancements of WEC-NLSLs.