Ask HN: Do you prefer “engineer” or “developer”?

#1

Post by crcl » Fri, Jul 13, 2018, 2:57 PM UTC

To the people in software, do you prefer calling yourself (or others) a "software engineer" or "software developer"? Is there even a difference?

Assuming there's no difference in meaning, what are the pros/cons of the abbreviations ("eng" vs "dev")? I'm asking because I'm building a developer tool and want to include one of the abbreviations in the domain name (e.g. "eng-tool.com" or "dev-tool.com").

Re: Ask HN: Do you prefer “engineer” or “developer”?

#2

Post by laveur » Fri, Jul 13, 2018, 3:04 PM UTC

This really greately depends on the kind of work one does. Many people working on websites prefer developer, while people working on mobile or desktop apps prefer engineer. As someone that writes mobile apps for a living I greatly prefer engineer. I don't simply develop an app I engineer it. I do greatly think that the term developer also is looked down on in the industry by many. We do a lot more then just "develop" an app. We engineer how everything goes together, the tools to build it, the tools we use to write code. Also the title engineering usually comes with time for many. You start off as a developer, your job is mainly to write code based on another engineers design. Eventually you get good enough to do the engineering bit yourself.

Re: Ask HN: Do you prefer “engineer” or “developer”?

#3

Post by interatx » Fri, Jul 13, 2018, 3:07 PM UTC

It's not always a choice. I'm in currently Canada where the term "Engineer" is protected https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_engineer#Canada. So I'm a developer here.

Re: Ask HN: Do you prefer “engineer” or “developer”?

#4

Post by bovermyer » Fri, Jul 13, 2018, 3:32 PM UTC

To me, that's like asking if I prefer "scientist" or "artist," respectively.

I usually identify publicly as an engineer, but really, I'm a developer. "Engineer" implies a greater degree of mathematical and theoretical understanding and application than I possess.

Re: Ask HN: Do you prefer “engineer” or “developer”?

#5

Post by xenocratus » Fri, Jul 13, 2018, 4:19 PM UTC

I think they're interchangeable but to me "engineer" sounds too formal so I'd go with developer for myself (I actually studied electronic engineering and didn't enjoy the hardware side, so I'm happy to stay away from the engineer label!)

Re: Ask HN: Do you prefer “engineer” or “developer”?

#6

Post by rajacombinator » Sat, Jul 14, 2018, 5:11 PM UTC

I consider them interchangeable but find it really annoying how they have very subtle different connotations that are not universal. For me programmer > developer > engineer but I wish there was a clear uniformly better option...

Re: Ask HN: Do you prefer “engineer” or “developer”?

#7

Post by SamReidHughes » Sun, Jul 15, 2018, 4:16 AM UTC

Software engineers use "dev tools" because they develop software. But also because it's less awkward to pronounce than "eng tools."

I like a non-hoity-toity attitude towards what constitutes engineering so I say go for engineering if it has a better ring.

Re: Ask HN: Do you prefer “engineer” or “developer”?

#8

Post by sloaken » Sun, Jul 15, 2018, 11:19 AM UTC

I know back in the day, the use of Engineer verses Developer was about 10% pay...

To me: Programmer - works on a team, is handed assignments Developer - might lead a team, but is resposible for the entire developement of a solution. On really large project will be focused on one aspect (DB, web, etc) Engineer - Coordinates multiple parts, ensure all phases of the SDLC are completed. Of involved with PM. Has an engineering notebook.