Friction stir based processes are solid state processes which significantly contribute to joining/processing of materials and surface property enhancement. It replaces conventional joining/processing techniques owing to their unique features such as reduced distortion, reduced porosity defect, reduced heat affected zone (HAZ), no requirement of shielding gas, eco-friendly etc. Also, It enhances the mechanical and metallurgical properties of the material namely grain refinement, microstructure modification, homogenization, corrosion, fatigue, wear and hardness, which are laborious to attain in fusion welding. This review approaches the detailed study on friction stir-based processes, starting from friction stir welding and their applications in present scenario.