In this article, a review of the available literature on the machining (specifically turning) of aluminum is systemically presented. Through this work, a fundamental understanding of the machining of aluminum was developed together with the understanding of the effects of process parameters on machinability indicators. Selected articles from the past two decades have been considered. Turning of aluminum using different cutting tool inserts under different machining environments is presented. Out of the literature discussed, some are based on the modelling and optimization of turning parameters to facilitate the machining of aluminum. Overall, it can be concluded that since aluminum is a soft material and therefore difficult-to-machine, that necessitates various interventions like sustainable cooling and lubrication, tool treatment and texturing, and process optimization, to obtain the desired machinability.