Are you interested in a career that allows you to be an integral part of the software industry? If so, then you may want to look into becoming either a software developer or a software engineer. Although both of these professionals play an important role in the creation of new computer systems and application software, software developer vs. software engineer differ significantly in their overall scope of work, approach, and training needed to enter the field.
With a better understanding of the difference between software developer and software engineer, you can determine which career path may be right for you.
What Is a Software Developer?
In simplest terms, a software developer is a professional who focuses primarily on the technical aspects of building software programs or systems from scratch. Typically, software developers create new software based on clients' specific needs, documenting every aspect of the program along the way. In some cases, software developers may also be responsible for ongoing maintenance of existing software programs, ensuring that the program continues to function as needed through testing and upgrades.
Software developers usually work in an office setting alongside other professionals, including software engineers, quality assurance analysts, and software testers.
What Is a Software Engineer?
Software engineers work on new software programs and systems, but they tend to be more focused on the "big picture" of the project, including the overall system design and architecture of a software program or computer system. These professionals apply engineering principles and techniques to their work, including:
- Testability and maintainability
- External integration standards
- Software integrity
Like software developers, software engineers often work in office settings alongside other computer and software professionals.
Key Differences in Roles and Responsibilities
When it comes to identifying the key difference between software developer and software engineer, there are a number of differentiating factors to consider. Although software developers and engineers must often collaborate on the same projects, it's important to understand that these are two distinct roles with very different responsibilities.
Perhaps the best way to understand the difference between software developer and software engineer is to actually think of software developers as a subset of software engineers. Whereas software engineers design the systems that empower software programs to function, developers are the ones who take those blueprints and turn them into fully functioning apps and programs.
Likewise, there are some notable differences between software developers and engineers as it relates to their scope of work, their approach to problem-solving, and other aspects of their jobs as described below.
Scope of Work
In terms of their overall scope of work, software developers tend to focus more on coding specific features within applications. They also tend to work on smaller projects and usually take on just one project at a time, although this can vary from one employer to the next.
Software engineers, on the other hand, tend to handle the bigger-picture system-wide design of a software program. This then ensures that all components interact and function as seamlessly as possible. Compared to software developers, engineers also tend to work with more complex systems and may be involved with more than one project at a time.
Problem-Solving Approach
Software developers and engineers also have different approaches to solving problems. For example, software developers solve problems through direct coding solutions aimed at specific tasks or features.
When engineers are faced with a problem, they will typically approach it with a systems-oriented mindset instead, and focus on optimizing performance and ensuring reliability across the entire software infrastructure.
Design vs. Implementation
On any given software project, developers often focus more on implementing existing designs and specifications based on the client's unique needs. Software engineers, however, contribute more to the design process by creating software architecture plans and ensuring that they meet the project's technical requirements.
Testing and Quality Assurance
Both software developers and software engineers must perform their fair share of testing on the job. However, with software developers, this tends to involve writing unit tests and performing very basic testing on their own code. Software engineers are usually more involved in testing at the system level, working to ensure continuous integration and carrying out deployment processes to maintain the overall quality of software applications.
Training and Education
An extensive education is important in becoming either a software developer or a software engineer. Although software developers often come from a variety of educational backgrounds, they typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field. Champlain College Online, for instance, offers a dedicated bachelor's degree in software development that can be an excellent starting point for those wanting to work in this field.
Likewise, software engineers typically have formal training in software engineering, computer science, or related fields. Often, this education includes a focus on mathematics and engineering principles such as those found in a bachelor's degree in computer science or master's degree in software engineering and project management program.
Programming Languages
Software developers and software engineers both need an extensive understanding of programming languages to perform their jobs well. However, they tend to utilize different languages in their work. Software developers, for instance, are more likely to work with such application-related languages as JavaScript and Python.
Engineers, on the other hand, require knowledge of multiple languages, including low-level programming languages like C++, Java, and Rust.
Career Paths and Opportunities
With the level of experience gained in a software development or software engineering degree program, professionals can explore a wide range of potential career paths and opportunities for advancement. Experience in software engineering or development is highly valued across numerous industries, ranging from computer systems design and manufacturing to finance, insurance, software publishing, and more.
Likewise, those with software engineering and development experience can progress into other positions as well, with some common roles including:
- Computer programmer
- Database administrator
- Quality assurance specialist
- Computer systems analyst
- Web developer
- Digital designer
- Project manager
Career Outlook
The demand for both software developers and software engineers is expected to grow as more projects are taken on across various industries. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers is projected to grow 17 percent between 2023 and 2033 alone, with an estimated 140,100 new job openings each year. This growth is much faster than the national average for all occupations.
Choosing the Right Path: Software Developer vs. Software Engineer
Both software development and software engineering can be an extremely rewarding job with plenty of room for growth and advancement. Ultimately, you'll need to consider your own personal strengths, interests, and professional goals when determining which career path may be right for you.
If you're more interested in working directly on the features of a new software solution, then a career as a software developer may be best suited to your goals. That said, if you like the idea of working on the big-picture aspects of a software design project and creating the blueprints by which future software solutions will be built, then you may want to pursue a career in software engineering.
Regardless of which path you take, you'll need to be prepared to collaborate with other professionals, ranging from testers and quality assurance specialists to end clients and cybersecurity specialists. Strong people skills and excellent communication will be key to your success in either field.
Being in either field will also require you to be committed to a lifetime of learning and professional development, as both of these fields are constantly changing and evolving. Throughout the course of your career, you may need to learn new programming languages and learn how to use new technology as it arises. To remain relevant and competitive as a software developer or engineer, you may need to pursue additional training and education in the form of advanced degrees, certificates, certifications, and other designations as well.
Ready to Pursue a Degree in Software Engineering or Software Development?
Software developer vs. software engineer can be extremely rewarding fields, especially for those who enjoy problem-solving and taking on new challenges. Regardless of which career path feels right to you, the fact remains that a quality education can make all the difference as you embark on your professional journey.
At Champlain College Online, we offer both a bachelor's degree in software development and a master's degree in software engineering and project management, so you can pursue the option that best aligns with your goals. Both of these programs are offered entirely online, so you can enjoy flexibility and versatility with your busy schedule as you build your knowledge and skills. Both of these programs are career-centered, so you can focus on building the practical skills you'll need to thrive in your career from day one.
Want to learn more about either of these programs or find out more about what CCO has to offer? Get in touch with our friendly and knowledgeable team today. If you're ready to apply, you can also fill out your online application for admission.
