Differential Evolution (DE) was introduced to get the global optimum and overcome the difficulties encountered by coupling two types of design variables in the shape optimization of truss structures with stress, geometry, and local stability constraints. The basic principle of DE algorithm was presented in detail first, and then mathematical model for shape optimization of truss structures was presented, in which two types of design variables, such as the node coordinates and section areas, were considered simultaneously. Several classical problems were solved with DE algorithm, and the results were compared with those using the other optimization methods. It was shown that DE algorithm had good convergence and stability and could be applied for shape optimization of truss structures effectively.