Abstract: Resistance spot welding, as a process of joining metals, is widely used in machinery manufacturing. The factors affecting the electrode life in current resistance spot welding technology was elaborated. The current research progress of electrode materials, coatings, electrode structure, electrode/part interface treatment and welding parameters which improves the life of the electrode was summarized. And two electrode cooling structures in resistance spot welding were proposed to realize rapid cooling of the electrode body, thereby increasing the electrode life, saving costs and improving production efficiency.