This paper reviews the latest versions and applications of sparrow search algorithm (SSA). It is a recent swarm-based algorithm proposed in 2020 rapidly grew due to its simple and optimistic features. SSA is inspired by the sparrow living style of foraging and the anti-predation behavior of sparrows. Since its establishment, it has been utilized for a plethora of optimization problems in different research topics, such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, power systems, industrial engineering, image processing, networking, environment, robotics, planing and scheduling, and healthcare. Initially, the growth of SSA and its theoretical features are highlighted in terms of the number of published articles, citations, topics covered, etc. After that, the different extended versions of SSA are reviewed, where the main variations of SSA are produced to avoid premature convergence and to boost the diversity aspects. These extended versions are modifications and hybridization summarized with more focus on the motivations behind establishing these versions. Multi-objective SSA is also presented as another version to deal with Multi-objective optimization problems. The critical analysis of the main research gaps in the convergence behaviour of SSA is discussed. Finally, the conclusion and the possible future expansions are recommended based on the research works accomplished in the literature.
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