Hydraulic cylinder is an indispensable linear actuator in high power applications like construction machinery. In order to reduce the energy consumption, the noise and the waste oil disposal pollution of the hydraulic cylinder control system, the most direct method is adopting the direct pump control technology which eliminates the throttle losses in the main power line. In such system, by changing the speed or the displacement of the pump, the pressure and volume flow will be matched with the need of loads. To date, research works in this field have been reported in many articles, but they are scattered and written in different languages. An overview which can summarize the latest development of this technology appears to be necessary. This paper provides a comprehensive review on this technology, aiming at clarifying recent advances and outlining potential challenges in the research and application of this technology. The review mainly covers three parts: system structure, control, and derived energy recovery system. Also the evolvement of the electro-hydraulic cylinder control system is introduced. The review indicates that attentions should be paid to the control and energy recovery plan of the direct pump controlled cylinder system, and to the newly proposed asymmetric pump controlled differential cylinder technology. It is envisaged that the information gathered in this paper will be a valuable one-stop source of information for researchers, as well as providing a direction for future research in this area.