Expert: vijayan - 3/28/2011

Question
In my class, I was asked to write a short essay (and get "expert opions from the internet) about whether programming is an art or a science. Do you have an opinion on this? Or, do you happen to know where I can look to get an expert opinion? Thanks!

Answer
> Do you have an opinion on this?

Yes, I do. Like many creative endeavours which produce end-products which have both functionality and beauty or elegance, programming is a craft. Much like architecture is a craft, furniture design is a craft, automobile design is a craft. Crafts have elements of both art and science - the architecture of a bridge is art, the engineering is applied science.  

I tend to agree with Knuth:
"computer programming is an art, because it applies accumulated knowledge to the world, because it requires skill and ingenuity, and especially because it produces objects of beauty. A programmer who subconsciously views himself as an artist will enjoy what he does and will do it better."

And with Stallman:
"I would describe programming as a craft, which is a kind of art, but not a fine art. Craft means making useful objects with perhaps decorative touches. Fine art means making things purely for their beauty."

Here are a couple of links:
http://www.paulgraham.com/knuth.html
http://www.paulgraham.com/hp.html
http://onlamp.com/pub/a/onlamp/2005/06/30/artofprog.html