When it comes to IT positions, it’s often mistakenly assumed that they are all the same. However, just like in any other career, some specializations and approaches differentiate them from one another. Just as in medicine, a pediatrician is not the same as an obstetrician, in the IT field, a software engineer is not the same as a developer.
It is true that they share a common goal: to create technological solutions. However, the way they approach this goal and their responsibilities vary significantly. Both careers are at the peak of demand. Companies, immersed in the inevitability of digitalization, are constantly searching for these professionals and seeking permanent or temporary staff augmentation.
To start, it can be said that software developers design specific computer systems and application software. Software engineers work on a larger scale to design, develop, and test complete computer systems and application software for a company or organization. But, software development is a subset of software engineering. Both are essential and contribute unique value to the development of applications and software systems.
Designs for Specific Systems: What Does a Software Developer Do?
A software developer is a person who creates software for end users, that is, consumer products. They are responsible for programming, maintaining, and configuring software programs. These professionals have the flexibility to specialize in creating any program they like, as long as they have the fundamental knowledge of the field.
Skills of a Software Developer:
- Proficiency in popular programming languages such as Python, Java, C++, and Scala
- Ability to write and test code
- Presentation skills
- Familiarity with cross-browser compatibility
- Competence in responsive web design
- Ability to work on front-end application development
- Knowledge of algorithms and data structures
Large-Scale Solutions: What Does a Software Engineer Do?
A software engineer is a person who creates software for developers, that is, industrial products. Their work involves applying engineering principles to design, develop, maintain, test, and evaluate software.
This type of professional works with a more strategic and analytical approach and often leads or manages development teams. They also have a broader and deeper background in computer science, mathematics, algorithms, and data structures, allowing them to create innovative and efficient solutions.
Skills of a Software Engineer:
- Extensive knowledge of a wide range of programming languages
- Competence in software development and computer operating systems
- Proficiency in advanced mathematics
- Ability to apply engineering principles to software creation
- Leadership skills
- Ability to debug software and systems
- Ability to create scalable, domain-specific languages and channels
- Capacity to create the necessary tools for software development
- Project management skills
Job Outlook for Each Field
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics places software designers and software engineers in the same category when assessing job prospects for each field. Employment of software developers and software engineers is projected to grow by 25% by 2032, with an average of around 153,900 job openings each year.
The future looks promising for these careers. As technology advances and the need for innovative software grows, so does the demand from companies to hire vetted developers who can design, create, build, and implement computer systems and application software.
Software Engineer vs. Software Developer: Who Has the Best Salary?
According to statistics and various studies from different companies that hire these services, software developers can earn around $80,000 per year or about $6,700 per month. In contrast, a software engineer can earn a salary of $103,000 per year or around $8,600 per month.
Yes, the difference is quite large, but so are the responsibilities and specializations of each position. This does not mean that one is better than the other, but rather that a broader range of skills is reflected in the salary.
Why Is It Important to Know the Difference?
First, it helps to recognize the value of each role in the field of programming. Both are professionals who bring value and quality to the software they create but with different approaches and skills. Second, it helps individuals choose the most suitable training and career path. And third, it improves communication and collaboration among the various players in software development.
By understanding the differences and similarities between software developers and software engineers, more fluid and productive dialogue can be established, and the potential of each can be fully utilized.
To Be or Not to Be…
The IT industry has always been one of the best places to go when looking for a stable and reliable career. Programming is an art but also a science. As such, it has different branches and specialties. Within it, there are two types of software that can be created: software for the end user and software for developers. Software developers create consumer products, while software engineers create industrial products.
Both are professionals who contribute to the advancement and innovation of software but with different profiles, training, and functions. Companies will need both to position themselves within the technological field. As for you, the choice will depend on your skills, preferences, and future goals.
