In my mind the distinction is there, but it's gonna feel arbitrary no matter what. If I had to make an attempt I'd describe the developer as someone who writes code and the engineer as someone who writes the software level spec, sets the overall architecture/design, inputs on interface design and do declaration work (paperwork, really). I would assume most projects have people taking on both roles to certain extent.
Ask HN: Software Developer vs. Software Engineer
31–40 of 65 posts
Re: Ask HN: Software Developer vs. Software Engineer
#32It’s all psychology… if they call you an engineer will you want the job more? Longer?
Re: Ask HN: Software Developer vs. Software Engineer
#33Depending on who I'm talking to, I'm either a Software developer, Backend API developer, or I fix computers.
Re: Ask HN: Software Developer vs. Software Engineer
#34There's no technical difference. Titles are used in corporations to separate pay grades and hierarchy, so a "Software Engineer" might be higher up the food chain, but they do the same work.
I keep saying we need a real engineering discipline in software and not the "arts & crafts" it currently is. A real engineer can tell you whether a steel beam will support a given load; a software developer has no clue what load her software supports.
Re: Ask HN: Software Developer vs. Software Engineer
#35The only difference is in how smart you want to feel when you call yourself one over the other.
Oh boy, time to get creative!
Re: Ask HN: Software Developer vs. Software Engineer
#36Remember, some of the best work ever created was done by “members of the technical staff”. It’s not the label it’s the work results that matter unless there are external requirements or definitions. Engineering and science are disciplines, and there are often (legal) definitions of engineer. I am unaware of any such things for scientist although people assume an advanced degree.
Like some others, engineer suggests someone who works in an environment that has rules and constraints while developer operates in a more unrestricted environment or on less defined problems. But then, hacker was the best title and it could NEVER be claimed, merely demonstrated.
Re: Ask HN: Software Developer vs. Software Engineer
#37What sets the Engineer apart from the Developer for me is: * the engineer can work with other developers/engineers * the engineer writes code that is maintainable * the engineers code has an architecture * the engineer can find a solution to problems that don’t have a lib or stackoverflow entry In other words: A Developer is more likely to work on smaller codebases, most likely alone, that are comprised of known prob…
One thing you forgot:
An Engineer is just like a Developer, but an Engineer read it online on Hacker News once that if you call yourself an Engineer, some people will automatically assume that your code is maintainable, you design your app better, and you don't need stackoverflow.
The Engineer decided to change his/her title on LinkedIn (because nobody can actually check your real title). This Engineer (former Developer) then went on to look down on Developers because they are messy script kiddies and code monkeys that write bad code and copy from stackoverfliw.
Re: Ask HN: Software Developer vs. Software Engineer
#38The NSPE do not like random ppl calling themselves engineers.
I went to an engineering school (for computer science) and everyone faculty and students was very particular about this.
Some jurisdictions have legal requirements on calling yourself an engineer.
The correct term is software developer. Some bigcos who are a juicy enough target for NSPE or government agencies have been reached out to, which is why we see the job titles change now and then.
Re: Ask HN: Software Developer vs. Software Engineer
#39To me they mean the same thing.
If there's a difference, I've somehow missed out on learning what it is after >20 years in industry/academia and that lack of knowledge has never been a problem.
I honestly don't care about titles. I don't even know what mine is without looking it up.
Re: Ask HN: Software Developer vs. Software Engineer
#40What sets the Engineer apart from the Developer for me is: * the engineer can work with other developers/engineers * the engineer writes code that is maintainable * the engineers code has an architecture * the engineer can find a solution to problems that don’t have a lib or stackoverflow entry In other words: A Developer is more likely to work on smaller codebases, most likely alone, that are comprised of known prob…
One thing you forgot: An Engineer is just like a Developer, but an Engineer read it online on Hacker News once that if you call yourself an Engineer, some people will automatically assume that your code is maintainable, you design your app better, and you don't need stackoverflow. The Engineer decided to change his/her title on LinkedIn (because nobody can actually check your real title). This Engineer (former Develo…
My degree is in Computer Engineering :-)