Cuckoo search (CS) is a relatively new algorithm, developed by Yang and Deb in 2009, and the same has been found to be efficient in solving global optimization problems. In this paper, we review the fundamental ideas of cuckoo search and the latest developments as well as its applications. We analyze the algorithm and gain insight into its search mechanisms and find out why it is efficient. We also discuss the essence of algorithms and its link to self-organizing systems, and finally, we propose some important topics for further research.