Duplex stainless steel finds widespread use in various sectors of manufacturing and related fields. It has many advantages due to its distinctive structural combination of austenite and ferrite grains. It is the need of the current generation due to its better corrosive resistance over high production austenitic stainless steels. This paper reviews the weldability of duplex stainless steels, mentions the reason behind the need for duplex stainless steels and describes how it came into existence. The transformations in the heat-affected zones during the welding of duplex stainless steels have also been covered in this paper. The formation, microstructure and changes in high temperature and low temperature heat-affected zones have been reviewed in extensive detail. The effects of cooling rate on austenite formation has been briefly discussed. A comparison of weldability between austenitic and duplex stainless steel is also given. Finally, the paper reviews the applications of the various grades of duplex stainless steel in a variety of industries like chemical, paper and power generation and discusses the future scope of duplex stainless steel in various industrial sectors.