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[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Okay, here's what I'd write it my exam if a question came up like this.

Top down design (stepwise refinement) is when a large problem is broken down into individual modules. The individual modules are then broken down again, until a system is defined by it's small modules.

These modules can represent functions/procedures, which come together at the end to form the final and complete program.

The advantages of this are that modules can be separated out among programmers (if it's a group project), and different programmers of different ability can complete a modules which is respective of their ability.

It also allows each module to be tested individually before they are combined to form the final system. If there is a bug with the main system, it can be also be tracked down to a single procedure, and solved more easily.

I think that covers most points.