In this paper, the data mining techniques are introduced broadly including its definition, the relationships with other academic fields, the imperative processes and its classifications. The principal techniques used in the data mining are surveyed also. As an example, the studies on the mining association rules are illustrated. Some data mining prototypes and commercial systems are listed in this paper. Several limitations of the data mining are discussed as well as the research and application challenges for it.Due to the development of the data warehouse up to now,the features and potentialities of the data mining based on the data warehouse are discussed also.