pal

One day I came across a thought,
I tried to describe what computer programming was really about.

It is stated in such way in answers.com

Creating a computer program. The steps are:
1. Developing the program logic to solve the
particular problem.
2. Writing the program logic in a specific
programming language (coding the program).
3. Assembling or compiling the program to turn
it into machine language.
4. Testing and debugging the program.
5. Preparing the necessary documentation.

It makes very sense to me that this is really the case.
But...
In my opinion, the word "logic", phrases such as "solving problems" (mostly logical and mathematical problems), "compiling", "assembling", and preparing documentation, sounds so abstract and some what - cold.
Perhaps...
The interesting thing that I've experienced is that, the process of creating a computer program, and all those time spent for my program, didn't seem so much like the word explained in the dictionaries.

Rather it seemed to me like a piece of an art which I've designed.
In some sense, I think it doesn't really matter in whether a programmer reinvents the wheel or go with something that already exists. I realized that it is the self challenge and strong will to use their skills to create something that is aesthetic rather than so abstract. Before reading the article about "computer programming as an art" by Knuth, I was searching for some sort of meaning in computer programming, because it seemed to me that it was more than just sitting infront of a computer 5-10 hours a day, it seemed to me as though computer programming was somewhat a way of self expression in logical and mathematical way, which tends to have a process that is totally opposite from the non-computer programmers' view.

I'm not sure if anyone might agree, but the following article is somewhat inspiring.
http://www.paulgraham.com/knuth.html

Arevos

Maybe: "Defining an explicit solution to a problem that can be carried by a computer."

tempest

Google says:

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DaWei

Programming is one step in applying what is a relatively new tool. As with all such things one may be creative and a craftsman, truly productive, or one may be a grunt/dork.

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Haz

Own definition: "Programming is the act of using computers to make life easier."

'tis true

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java_roshan

It may be defined as

Making the computer understand what to do (or to solve) faster than what a human being can do!

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crazykid48x

Programming is a war. Compilers are your weapons, Languages are your ammo, Motivation is your medic, and the problems are your enimes. Kill them all!!!!

Spectre5

I like crazykid's description

nnxion

Your definition is flawed. A LOT of the things I do are still farout superior to how computer do things.

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Ooble

Well, no one said we'd achieved that task, did they? :p

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