In recent years, polymer optical fibers have received increasing attention in the fields of sensing and communication because of their small size, light weight, softness, low cost, and excellent characteristics such as biocompatibility compared with silica optical fibers. We analyze various materials for polymer fibers, including polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), ring olefin copolymer, ring olefin polymer, and polycarbonate; different grating fabrication techniques, including those using lasers with different wavelengths (e.g., 248, 266, and 325 nm); and different engraving techniques, including phase mask, femtosecond laser direct writing, and femtosecond laser two-photon polymerization. In addition, we review the research progress in polymer optical fiber grating in the fields of sensing and communication in recent years and summarize the major developments.