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## Stepwise Refinement

- One of the most powerful strategies for problem solving is the process of stepwise refinement.
- To solve a difficult task, break it down into simpler tasks; then keep breaking down the simpler tasks into even simpler ones, until you are left with tasks that you know how to solve.
- How do you get coffee?
  - Ask someone else to do it.
  - Make coffee.
- OK, how do you make coffee?
  - Make instant coffee.
  - Brew Coffee.
- How do you make instant coffee?
- - Start by boiling water.
  - Etc.

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