This book presents a systematic approach to the numerical analysis of several carefully selected classes of optimal control problems governed by elliptic partial differential equations (PDEs). A priori error estimates for the discretization error between the optimal solutions of the continuous and discretized problems are derived, and numerical experiments are included to illustrate the results.

The proofs are presented in a structured and accessible manner, facilitating a clear understanding of the techniques used. The necessary results from functional analysis and elliptic PDE theory are provided in a self-contained way. Essential aspects of finite element theory—including some results newly established by the author(s)—are also covered, with all relevant proofs provided in full detail.

Portions of the material have been successfully used in graduate-level courses and seminars, as well as in Master’s and PhD theses. The book is intended for researchers and graduate students interested in finite element analysis and/or optimal control problems involving PDEs.