Let’s cut to the chase: software engineer vs. software developer, what’s the difference? For professionals, the difference between the two is simple. However, we’re not talking here to talk to IT experts. We’re here to talk to anyone who needs this information and how to compare for them.
Learning the difference between the two is important for anyone looking into hiring a specialist regarding software. It’s just as important for those deciding to become an engineer or software developer.
Below, you will find a definition of the two professions, five key differences between them, similarities between them, and an overall comparison.
What is a Software Engineer?
So what are software engineers and what do they do? The software engineer career requires core skills such as system architecture and problem-solving. Usually, software engineers comprise back-end engineers, system architects, and DevOps engineers.
The whole role of software engineering is to apply logic and processes to guide specific software to create applications. This role includes testability, maintainability, design, verification, and quality assurance. Unlike other engineering careers, licences aren’t required.
What is a Software Developer?
In the debate between a software engineer vs. software developer, what does the developer do? Software developers are the ones who create what the users need. They write the code, ensure it functions, and implement the programs or applications.
Software developers usually work on applications for desktops, laptops, and mobile devices. They’re charged with creating the software itself and maintaining the network distribution. Because of this, software developer skills that are a must-have are coding, application design, and other techniques.
In software development, most professionals become front-end developers, full-stack developers, and mobile app developers.
5 Key Differences Between Software Engineers and Developers
There are many differences between a software engineer vs. software developer. However, these 5 key contrasts are the ones that make the biggest difference. Read through the different requirements, procedures, and tools that these professions have in contrast with.
Education and Qualifications
The qualifications and education of software developers and engineers are a big difference. Engineers in software usually have degrees in Software Engineering. Bootcamps catering to engineering in software are also welcomed.
Developers, on the other hand, require bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science and Information Technology. Their boot camps don’t involve engineering. Instead, software developers attend coding boot camps.
It’s important to note that it’s also possible to utilise self-learning in both professions. Most clients and recruiters prefer a solid foundation and background in the profession which can include proven engineering or developing skills.
Responsibilities
The main component of software engineer vs. software developers is their responsibilities. Engineers architect the structure of the software and ensure its purpose is pulled through. Meanwhile, software developers provide the user-end quality and debug any functional errors.
In other words, developers are only involved during the development of the software, and the engineers are involved from creation to maintenance of the entire project. This includes evaluating the needs of the client and their company and offering possible solutions to test its functions.
Work Environment
The work environment is also different between a software engineer vs. software developer. However, the engineer in software development interacts with the developer.
The usual work setup of an engineer involves collaboration with other engineers. They brainstorm, create, and discuss the different problems, solutions, and implementations.
Meanwhile, software developers are like lone wolves. They usually wait for the software engineers and their instructions. They receive the tasks from the engineers and then continue to work on the tasks alone.
Approaches to Problem Solving
The way software engineers handle solving problems is different from that of software developers. Engineers use two advanced skills: engineering practices and the scientific method. Their goal is to ensure that the solutions they’ve made through these two practices stabilise the solution and ensure the system involved with it remains independent and well-maintained.
This is where software engineer vs. software developer clashes once again. Developers prefer to take one step at a time when facing a problem and solving it. The goal of the developer is to consider the functions and visual appearance of the software and its sections one by one.
Career Progression
The clearest difference between a software engineer and a software developer is the progression of their career. Both careers have impressive earning potential. However, when it comes to software engineer and software developer salaries, engineers seem to earn more.
The average salary of a software engineer reaches an estimated minimum of 50,000 dollars. This is likely due to their overall involvement with the software, their advanced degrees, and their experiences. Furthermore, software engineers follow their path up to leadership roles and senior-level architecture in software. Overall, their technical authority increases.
Meanwhile, software developers earn a hefty average salary as well. The difference is that their career path leads to senior-level development roles or lead development roles. This means that their path becomes more hands-on coding and efficient delivery.
5 Key Similarities Between Software Engineers and Developers
Now that we know about software engineer vs. software developer difference, it’s time to learn about the similarities that you need to know before deciding on your software engineer vs. software development decision. These 5 similarities explain why many confuse the two.
Creating Programs and Systems
Both software engineers and developers create their programs and systems for applications. The systems and programs they create are the foundation for any software that is utilised by clients and professionals.
Knowledge in Programming Languages
Another similarity despite the software engineer vs. software developer debate is their knowledge of programming languages. There are many code programming languages required in technology. Naturally, this type of knowledge is required by developers and software engineers.
Writes and Tests Code
Writing and testing the codes they made is also a similarity between software engineers and developers. Unlike other IT-related professions, these two careers deal a lot with writing and test codes.
The difference in their writing and testing comes from the fact that software engineers create and test their code while developers troubleshoot and debug.
Similar Frameworks (Ruby, Spring, Django, and TurboGears)
Speaking of coding, software engineers and developers also utilise the same frameworks. The majority of these software savants utilise Ruby on Rails, Spring, Django, and TurboGears to create or use frameworks from.
Utilises Math and Science Skills
The last similarity comes from their reliance on mathematical and science skills. Both professions require advanced knowledge in maths and science alongside their advanced software programming skills.
Software Engineer vs. Software Developer
Despite learning differences and similarities, the developer vs. engineer might still be confusing. Both professionals collaborate with other IT professionals. Both require advanced programming languages and share similar responsibilities.
The clear distinction between the two is their process. Software engineers utilise engineering principles on the system and take a wider approach to make it functional. They’re like the chefs that create the recipe.
Meanwhile, software developers prioritise finding solutions for users and their needs within the software. They’re more focused on the overall user experience and providing them with the maximised form of comfort and convenience.
Conclusion
That concludes all the information you need to know about the software engineer vs. software developer debate. We hope you learned a thing or two about the two different careers. Regardless of whether you want to choose a profession to follow or choose a professional for your project, we’re sure the information provided will help.
Worst case scenario: you’re still undecided. Don’t worry! Having trouble deciding on your software profession or needs is natural. Feel free to check in on the Flexisource IT career page and find out about our other professions related to software!
