Domain decomposition method for the h-p version of the finite element method in two and three dimensions are discussed. Using the framework of additive Schwarz method, various iterative methods are described, with their condition numbers estimated. Further, to reduce the cost for solving the sub-problems on element interfaces, different inexact interface solvers are proposed. The effects on the overall condition number, as well as their efficient implementation, are analyzed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A.