When we prepare a program, the
experience can be just like composing poetry or music … My claim is
that it is possible to write grand programs, noble programs, truly
magnificent ones! ... Computer programming is an art. ... Programmers
who subconsciously view themselves as artists will enjoy what they do
and will do it better.” —
D. E. Knuth, “Programming as an Art”, 1974
For this unit, work through the following preparatory
activities.