The joining of similiar materials can give full play to their respective properties. However, the physical and chemical properties of dissimilar materials are quite different, which leads to the problems of chemical incompatibility, excessive generation of interfacial compounds, uneven heating at the interface and excessive joint stress. In this paper, the recent progress of dissimilar metals and the connection between metals and ceramics are introduced. It mainly includes different welding methods and effects of titanium steel, aluminum copper, magnesium aluminum and aluminum iron. The joining of oxide ceramics, carbide ceramics, nitride ceramics and multiphase ceramics with metals is introduced. It can provide reference for peer researchers and provide research basis for the joining of new similiars material.