The difference between a software developer and a software engineer
The difference between a software developer and a software engineer
The terms or job titles software engineer and software developer are often used interchangeably. While an engineer and a developer or developer are really two different functions. In this blog we will tell you exactly what both terms, in our opinion, mean and what the difference is.
Software Developer vs. Software Engineer
What is a software engineer?
A software engineer determines how to design, develop, write, implement, test, improve and maintain software based on the needs and requirements of the customer or end users.
As a software engineer, you're responsible for the entire process, from turning ideas, problems, or questions into software solutions. It’s not just about coding or programming—it's also about planning, communicating with clients, and organizing maintenance.
What does a software engineer do?
Software engineers work according to a systematic and disciplined approach to the development, implementation and maintenance of software. From drafting the requirements to delivering them to the customer.
So as an engineer you have a very diverse job; you write code and program, if you are working for a customer you constantly keep your finger on the pulse, often you work on problems on a project basis and come up with a solution to them independently or as part of a team.
An engineer usually works as part of a team to develop new software. A team may include a scrum master, product owner, integration architect and a solution architect. A software engineer can sometimes also take on the role of scrum master, for example.
Work of a software engineer might look something like this:
- Analyze the client's needs and requirements - Understand what the client wants the software to do by gathering detailed requirements, often through discussions, meetings, or research.
- Translate these into a design or plan - Create a blueprint or architecture for the software, outlining how different components will work together and what technologies will be used.
- Establish and develop the desired specifications – Define the technical details, including performance standards, security requirements, and the functionality needed to meet the client's goals.
- Planning and executing programming work
- Develop the software in consultation with the client
- Testing the software
- Preparation of accompanying documentation on the software, for both end users and technicians who have to work with it
- Maintain and update the software
Where do software engineers work?
Among others at CaseNine😉
A software engineer is often employed by a software company that develops and implements (customized) solutions for external clients. Not infrequently, this is done on a secondment basis. There are also software engineers who are responsible within a company for the entire process of software implementation: especially larger companies, government agencies and banks employ their own software engineers. Vacancies
What is a software developer?
A software developer is someone who develops software and is mainly concerned with writing the code. Thus, as a software developer, you are responsible for the code of the software.
What does a software developer do?
Software developers may also design, implement, and test the software in addition to writing code and programming it. Like an engineer, he usually does this as part of a team, but often has fewer responsibilities within a team than a software engineer.
Thus, work of a software developer usually consists of
- Designing the necessary software – Creating the architecture or blueprint for how the software will function. This may involve translating technical requirements into detailed designs.
- Writing code – Writing clean, efficient, and scalable code using programming languages. This is the core of a developer's work.
- Implementing the software – Integrating the code into the system, ensuring that all components work together seamlessly.
- Testing of software – Running various tests, such as unit tests or integration tests, to catch and fix bugs, ensure functionality, and verify that the software meets the requirements before it goes live.
What is the difference between a software engineer and a software developer?
Thus, the work of a software engineer is broader than that of a developer. An engineer deals with the bigger picture and a developer deals primarily with programming.
Looking to join CaseNine, maybe as a Software Engineer? Check out the current vacancies here. Or would you like to know more or CI/CD? Then read our blog: '6 important advantages of CI/CD' for more information.
Interested in what we can do for you?
Contact our experts directly. We'd love to hear from you!
Curious for more? Subscribe to the Technical Deep Dive series today.
Receive notification when a new blog arrives
We would love to keep you updated on the latest news.