  Cosmological inflation and topological defects have been considered for a
long time, either in disagreement or in competition. On the one hand an
inflationary era is required to solve the shortcomings of the hot big bang
model, while on the other hand cosmic strings and string-like objects are
predicted to be formed in the early universe. Thus, one has to find ways so
that both can coexist. I discuss how to reconcile cosmological inflation with
cosmic strings.
