In a top-down implementation, the implementation starts from the top of the hierarchy and proceeds to the lower levels. First the main module is implemented, then its subordinates are implemented, and their subordinates, and so on.
In a bottom-up implementation, the process is the reverse. The development starts with implementing the modules at the bottom of the hierarchy and proceeds through the higher levels until it reaches the top.
Top-down and bottom-up implementation should not be confused with top-down and bottom -up design. When we proceed top-down, for testing a set of modules at the top of the hierarchy, stubs will have to be written for the lower level modules that the set of modules under testing invoke. On the other hand, when we proceed bottom-up, all modules that are lower in the hierarchy have been developed and driver modules are needed to invoke these modules under testing.
Top-down versus bottom-up is also a pertinent issue when the design is not detailed enough. In such cases, some of the design decisions have to be made during development.
Dinesh Thakur holds an B.C.A, MCDBA, MCSD certifications. Dinesh authors the hugely popular