Memetic algorithms (MAs) constitute a search and optimization paradigm based on the orchestrated interplay between global and local search components, and have the exploitation of specific problem knowledge as one of their central tenets. MAs can take different forms although a classical incarnation involves the integration of independent search processes within a population‐based optimization approach. We discuss this basic structure as well as several of the issues arising in the design process. This paves the way for providing a glimpse of some algorithmic extensions of this basic scheme. After providing an overview of the numerous practical applications of MAs, we close this article with some current perspectives of these techniques.