The book "Optimization Techniques and Soft Computing" refers to a field of study that combines mathematical optimization methods with soft computing techniques to solve complex problems efficiently. Optimization techniques involve finding the best solution from a set of possible solutions, often involving mathematical modeling and algorithms. Soft computing, on the other hand, encompasses various computational methods inspired by biological processes, such as neural networks, fuzzy logic, genetic algorithms, and evolutionary computing. This interdisciplinary approach is commonly used in areas such as engineering, computer science, finance, and operations research to address optimization problems that may be too complex or dynamic for traditional techniques to handle effectively.