The terms are often used interchangeably, but do they actually mean the same thing?
TL/DR:
In short, the two terms have slightly different connotations and responsibilities. But in many cases, the distinctions are subtle and the roles overlap significantly.
What is the difference between a software engineer and software developer? Let's expand on each term to compare.
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Software Developer - Definition
noun. A professional whose job is to "design, program, build, deploy and maintain software using many different skills and tools. They also help build software systems that power networks and devices and ensure that those systems remain functional." ~ Devry University
This job primarily focuses on writing, testing, and maintaining code. Software developers usually enter the field with a bachelor's degree in computer science.
Software developers collaborate within a team of other developers, testers, and project managers to ensure successful implementation. Their main responsibility is to put in new features. This could require digging deeper on smaller components or working on modules of an application.
Software Engineer - Definition
noun. “Someone whose job is to create computer programs.” ~ Cambridge Dictionary
A software engineer is also a professional who designs and maintains software systems. However, they may have a broader scope of responsibilities including system architecture, design patterns, and overall management.
These responsibilities are given to team members with more experience making high-level technical decisions. Software engineers typically require a stronger educational background, including advanced degrees in computer science or engineering.
Extra years of experience provide software engineers with the ability and confidence to take the lead on complex applications. They consider scalability, performance, and system integration. Software engineers may also interact with various stakeholders in the project, including clients, product managers, and designers.
Just like software developers, though, software engineers benefit from continually learning, since the software world is constantly evolving.
Main Takeaways
If the dictionary terms bog you down, try thinking of it differently:
Software developers mainly write and maintain code. Their job is to focus on the details.
Software engineers write and maintain code too, but focus on the big picture: scalability, patterns, and higher-level architectural considerations.
While these distinctions provide a general overview, it's important to note that the roles vary based on the organization, project, or specific terminology. You may come across instances where the differences aren't as pronounced. Ultimately, the skills and responsibilities of both developers and engineers contribute to the successful creation and delivery of applications.
If these two terms aren’t synonymous, how did they reach the point of being used interchangeably in the first place?
Historical Evolution
The concept of software computing has been around less than a century. In its early days, there wasn't a standardized term for every role. Responsibilities and capabilities were continuously changing and growing. Staff adopted different titles that described similar roles. Therefore, the confusion over terms today can be attributed, in part, to a lack of standardization.
Industry Practice
Title variation isn't just an issue of the past: Different companies, industries, and regions still use varying job titles today. For instance, some companies prefer 'software engineer' to emphasize the technical aspects of the role, while others use 'software developer' to highlight coding and designing tasks. These title preferencescan lead to confusion, and we still lack universally agreed-upon definitions.
Overlapping Responsibilities
Both roles involve creating, testing, and maintaining software applications. But software engineers may also be involved in high-level design and architectural decisions. Software developers, on the other hand, could have a broader range of tasks that go beyond coding.
Changing Industry Perceptions
As we mentioned above, the software industry hasn’t been around for very long. As it evolved to its current state, the importance of design, architecture, and engineering principles in software development saw increasing recognition and importance. Both roles, software development and engineering, are seen as integral to the process. The interchangeable use of the terms highlights the industry’s fluid nature.
In conclusion, software developers and software engineers are both pivotal roles to any application project. The terms have and will continue to evolve as software computing grows and its obligations change.
Utilizing the Difference Between Developers and Engineers
It's a great idea to understand the current definitions and role requirements. If you're looking to hire the right professional for your project, consider what both positions typically consist of. Do you need someone to fix intricate details? Provide an overarching plan for scalability? Maybe both? Check out BearPeak's software staffing to find the right kind of developer or engineer to take your project to its peak.
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