I honestly think trying to define programming as art is just an attempt to unnecessarily elevate it. Programming is utilitarian. It is meant for a specific practical purpose. It does not reveal a shared human experience the way a movie, book, or game does. I have no need to convince myself, a professional software engineer of this because I am perfectly happy accepting that what I do is useful and do not need to try to put myself in a category with artists.

All the author is saying is that people enjoy programming. I also enjoy eating. Is that an art? I even have my own "eating style" in that I like to eat food in specific order, combine two items into one bite, the way I build a bite, etc. But I'd never try to elevate it because I'm a normal person who doesn't waste brainpower trying to make myself feel special.