# Convex optimization problem has to include only convex constraint functions?

It is well-known that convex optimization problem is defined as a problem of minimizing convex function (or maximizing concave function) over a convex feasible set which is usually written as (in standard form)

$$\min_x \; f(x)$$

s.t. $$g_i(x) \leq 0, \; i = 1, \cdots, m$$

where $$f(x)$$ is convex, and $$g_i(x)$$ is convex. Here, I wonder if $$g_i(x)$$ should be always convex for convex optimization problems. For instance, only quasi-convexity of $$g_i(x)$$ seems to be sufficient for generating convex set.

For example, consider an optimization problem

$$\min_{x \geq 0} \; x^2$$

s.t. $$\sqrt{x} \leq 2$$

It can be seen that $$\sqrt{x}$$ is not convex, but the feasible set of above problem is convex. Is the above problem convex or not? Also, can I apply standard convex optimization techniques such as KKT conditions or duality to find its global optimal solution?

The problem $$$$\begin{array}{cl} {\min_{x \ge 0}} & {x^2} \\ {\text{s.t.}} & {\sqrt{x} \leq 2} \end{array}$$$$ is actually a convex optimization problem. And we can reformulate it into standard form $$$$\begin{array}{cl} {\min_{x \ge 0}} & {x^2} \\ {\text{s.t.}} & {x^2 \leq 4} \end{array}$$$$
Convex optimization techniques often study standard form. For example, the KKT conditions actually can be applied as necessary property of optimal solution even though the problem is non-convex. However, if the $$f$$ and $$g_i$$ in KKT conditions are convex, the dual gap of optimal solution will be zero. One can refer to Boyd's book Convex Optimization'' (Page 244) for more details.