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Software Engineer vs Software Developer (programming.dev)

submitted 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) by fogetaboutit@programming.dev to c/programming@programming.dev

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In your opinion what's the difference between the two? In my opinion both terms are frequently used interchangeably in the workplace.

But I'd like to consider myself as an engineer, because although I don't consider myself to be good at it, I think I cares about the software that I worked on, its interaction with other services, the big picture, and different kinds of small optimizations.

I mean, what is even engineering?

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[–] Kimusan@feddit.dk 7 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) (2 children)

I hold an M.Sc. in software Engineering and it is not just a "software developer" but an actual masters degree from an engineering university. It's a civil engineering degree with focus on software and systems that runs software (e.g embedded systems). It is a protected title by law in many countries. I think Americans started abusing the software Engineer title a decade or two ago and hence many think it is just a title anyone can use as they like.

[–] corsicanguppy@lemmy.ca 1 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago) (1 children)

At least 25 years ago (correction: 25 years and 3 months since I was hired as a software engineer in America without an engineering degree).

And did you really compare a software dev with a BSc against your MSc (not a MEng?) and compare those apples and oranges as if they were peers?

Im not sure about America now, but in my country the title "P.Eng" (professional engineer) is restricted by law to those who have gained a degree as an engineer specifically, B.Eng or bigger, and have written a subsequent certification exam.

[–] Kimusan@feddit.dk 2 points 9 months ago

Not sure what you mean about your apples and pears comparison thing. Around here we have two levels of engineering - diploma engineer and civil engineer and that's also the title you get.

Due to some countries not understanding this differentiation, we use the more common B.Sc for Diploma and M.Sc. for civil. You can then specialize in different areas like software, electronics, AI, health tech, and many more. So basically we have all the engineering courses + the special courses on top.