Here is a concise article covering basic optimization tools in Grasshopper and how to use them.
The blog post by Yan Krymsky uses an example project and various Grasshopper add-ons in creating this useful guide for anyone interested in making their own optimizations. Links to the sample definitions and plugins are listed in the following link.
Building Optimization Tools – The Grasshopper definition and breakdown
Posted Feb 11, 2015 by Scott Davidson on Rhino News, etc.