When companies undertake the challenge of creating a new software product or improving the software they already have, the question arises: do I hire a software developer or a software engineer? They are two of the terms used in the technology industry and, although they may seem synonymous, specific details differentiate one profile from another.
Let's see if both profiles can do the same kind of tasks in a software development project. They have similar tools and skills, but maybe the role on the job site changes a bit.
For example, a software engineer is expected to work managing teams, be a strategist, and be an analytical person to determine the needs of software with respect to the demands of the users. But in the case of software developers, they are expected to work more focused on the coding, development, and applications part, instead of managing teams.
As the name itself indicates, the job of a software developer is to create different kinds of software, be they websites, web applications, mobile applications, or business, banking, and health management software. The possibilities are endless.
Software developers tend to work more independently and directly with the client, having extensive knowledge of programming languages and systems to be able to transform what the client needs into a real software solution.
At an academic level, software developers often have specializations in certain technologies, tools, and programming languages that allow them to perform their work. Many are trained in coding boot camps, where they are trained to work on certain technology.
Another important aspect is that software developers tend to be more flexible when working since they allow working both in person, remotely, or in a hybrid mode.
Also, you should know:
The constant monitoring of the code is the responsibility of the software developer, since he is the one who is immersed in the development cycle. You must guarantee the quality and consistency of the work that is being done, also be aware of the delivery of project progress and deadlines.
First of all, a software engineer applies engineering principles to the design, development, testing, and maintenance of software. These principles are:
- The testability and maintainability of the program's functions, as explained in a Computer Science article.
- Design, verification and assurance processes that everything is right in the software.
- Clear and specific external integration standards.
As for schooling, software engineers are trained at the university level, in Computer Science or Information Science majors, or in any program that focuses on software and coding. Having a university degree opens many doors for you in companies that do value this type of academic qualification.
A software engineer is characterized by working more in a team, either being part of one or leading it. In addition, the scale of problem solving is very wide in a software engineer, they are very systematic and analytical.
While a developer focuses mostly on making sure that the code is as good as possible, a software engineer must think on a larger scale, validating that the code is of quality but also analyzing business opportunities that benefit the company.
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