A method for programming a flash memory cell comprises providing input data to the flash cell and providing a segmented programming pulse to the flash memory cell. The segmented programming pulse includes programming segments, each successive programming segment including a programming potential higher than the programming potential used in a previous programming segment, each programming segment followed by a zero-potential compare segment. The output of the flash memory cell is compared with the input data during the compare segment after each programming segment. The segmented programming pulse is terminated if the output of the flash memory cell matches the input data. The programming potential in each programming segment is increased during the programming segment. The programming potential in successive segments is either is increased or stepped up to the final value of the previous programming segment.