In this paper,the definition,classification,trigger and response mechanism of smart coating were introduced,and the smart coating was categorized and introduced based on the response mechanism. The response mechanism and research status of each response mechanism were elaborated,and the future development direction of smart coating was prospected. Among them,the intermediary response smart coating had more innovative directions and research value,and fruitful research results had been achieved in the smart coating based on pH response,potential response,optical/magnetothermal response,mechanical response. The smart coating system integrating sensor network system,signal acquisition,information processing module and intelligent response module had become the research hotspots and priorities. Some intermediary intelligent response coating had equipped with functions such as data sensing,data analysis,information storage and model building,which achieved a certain degree of independent analysis and independent response,and would be widely used in various fields such as military,intelligent stealth and intelligent life,promoting the development of industry 4. 0.