When I hear creative writing, I think of limiteless possibilities where the writers personality effects the mood. When I think of code, I think my understanding/lack of effects the effeciency of the problem I'm trying to solve. Similarly, I think of many patterns are strictly worse than others however the more effecient option often can be uglier than the easier (which is a problem with the language).<p>While I respect the idea of new people entering into the wonderful world of programming to make their dreams (or get paid to make other people's dreams) come true. I don't want to lie to new comers and say its a creative endeavor. But I don't want to lie to new comers and say it's not wonderful to know and feel that your power is limited by you ability to problem solve. Improvision is a good way to get started, organization and planning is the best way to master.<p>Personal Opinion of course, I may be wrong. I've been wrong before, I don't doubt I can be wrong again.