This book provides a thorough overview of the fundamental principles, design strategies, fabrication techniques, characterization methods, and diverse applications of thin films and advancements therein. With a balance between theoretical concepts, practical applications and computational techniques, the book offers a holistic understanding of the subject matter, paving the way for students, researchers and engineers to guide through fabrication and characterization of thin films backed by real-world examples. Covers optimization of coatings tailored to specific applications, coupled with its industry-focused approach that incorporates real-world examples Discusses all about thin films, including a thorough examination of deposition and analysis methods Explores emerging topics related to the endurance of coatings, highlighting green technologies and life cycle assessment Reviews incorporation of machine learning and evolutionary algorithms for thin film optimization Delves into current innovations, recent models, and substantial research, with a focus on practical use cases This book is aimed at researchers and graduate students in materials science, characterization, and thin films.