Photometric search for extrasolar planets

The searches for extrasolar planetary systems by different methods based on the photometric monitoring of stars are reviewed. The search for extra-solar planets is, more or less consciously, the first step toward the search for other Minds in the Universe. A rational approach leads to the search for planets where structures with high complexity can emerge. In absence of any positive indication, it is safer to start this search by looking for planets within the habitable zone around main sequence stars where liquid water can be present. Of course, even if this future goal would fail, the detection of terrestrial planets would contribute to the characterization of other planetary systems and would constitute an interesting astrophysical goal by itself.