Hi, what is the difference, really? I feel like everyone is using them at random or making up their own or new job titles...
Ask HN: Software Developer vs. Software Engineer
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Re: Ask HN: Software Developer vs. Software Engineer
#2I would say one just plays, and builds things in pre-existing frameworks (Software Developer)... And Software Engineer, makes new things or new frameworks from scratch. Both are capable of programming though, it's the level at which they operate. As for the title themselves to HR, I don't think it really matters they think you can create "The Next Facebook" in 5 minutes.
Re: Ask HN: Software Developer vs. Software Engineer
#3The terms are interchangeable.
Now and then I like to use "programmer" in informal conversation, because it feels refreshingly direct, and sometimes I think we forget that whilst developers need non technical skills, the technical stuff is still the critical part!
But for hiring, etc., they're all just synonyms.
Re: Ask HN: Software Developer vs. Software Engineer
#4While I don't have an answer to your exact question (I suspect its somewhat arbitrary), it's interesting to note that some countries (I think Germany?) have strict regulations about using the term "Engineer" as a job position title. I believe they require you to have passed specific qualifications and have engineering accreditations.
Re: Ask HN: Software Developer vs. Software Engineer
#5The terms are interchangeable. Now and then I like to use "programmer" in informal conversation, because it feels refreshingly direct, and sometimes I think we forget that whilst developers need non technical skills, the technical stuff is still the critical part! But for hiring, etc., they're all just synonyms.
That's the feeling I'm getting as well. There are different definitions on the Internet, but again, everyone is making up their own. Makes looking for open positions not easier.
Re: Ask HN: Software Developer vs. Software Engineer
#6While I don't have an answer to your exact question (I suspect its somewhat arbitrary), it's interesting to note that some countries (I think Germany?) have strict regulations about using the term "Engineer" as a job position title. I believe they require you to have passed specific qualifications and have engineering accreditations.
Funny, I actually am from Germany and it feels just as arbitrary.
Re: Ask HN: Software Developer vs. Software Engineer
#7What 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 problems. If you are lucky there will be some sort of rough architecture.
An Engineer is more likely to work on larger codebases, most likely in a team, that has a core of problems that are specific to the product or a domain and need to be implemented by the Engineer. The code architecture exists to facilitate maintainability and cooperation between Engineers.
Re: Ask HN: Software Developer vs. Software Engineer
#8While I don't have an answer to your exact question (I suspect its somewhat arbitrary), it's interesting to note that some countries (I think Germany?) have strict regulations about using the term "Engineer" as a job position title. I believe they require you to have passed specific qualifications and have engineering accreditations.
Funny, I actually am from Germany and it feels just as arbitrary.
May well be wrong about Germany then.
I do know there are regular arguments here in the UK about the "Architect" title, the RIBA (the Royal Institute of British Architects) regularly sue people who call themselves Architects but don't have the qualification or aren't payed up members. This includes "software architects". People who work in building architecture but haven't got enough qualifications often call themselves "architectural designers" to get around the rules.
Re: Ask HN: Software Developer vs. Software Engineer
#9I would say one just plays, and builds things in pre-existing frameworks (Software Developer)... And Software Engineer, makes new things or new frameworks from scratch. Both are capable of programming though, it's the level at which they operate. As for the title themselves to HR, I don't think it really matters they think you can create "The Next Facebook" in 5 minutes.
> it's the level at which they operate
I don't think this is true. From what I've seen the terms are completely interchangeable.
Re: Ask HN: Software Developer vs. Software Engineer
#10In theory there might be a difference. In reality, they're synonyms, and it's random which is used.