To the untrained eye, software developers and software engineers are the same. Yet, in the technology world, they have major differences. Read this blog from the top software engineering school, CIIT, and learn the differences and parallels between these two software experts.
Job Description
The difference between a software engineer and a software developer starts with their job functions. Software engineers work to support or install software products. They troubleshoot existing systems and make sure they work as designed. Software developers, on the one hand, create or design new software or change the current one as needed by the client. They code in languages such as C++ and .NET.
Education
Most firms hire software experts with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or any related field. Yet, you need no such degree if you want to launch a career in software development and engineering. You can always build your own applications or work freelance until you create a portfolio or reputation that will match a formal degree.
As with other bachelor’s degrees, computer science takes four years to complete in a typical school. Yet, if you want to finish the course in less than four years, you may enroll in trade schools or online universities. Such schools, though, lack solid education and wide recognition colleges and universities offer.
As a software engineer or developer, you may apply for certifications and study further, too. Certifications centers on a few coding languages such as C++ or major industry players such as Microsoft. A strong portfolio of certifications shows potential clients or employers you’re talented and worth your wage.
Skills
Since software development and engineering both design new software programs, you should have a high degree of artistry along with strong problem-solving, analytical, and mathematical skills. Aside from these skills, you must be able to work with abstract concepts. Communication skills are important, too, because you’ll relate with trade operations staffs, industrial designers, hardware engineers, and end users to create software products. An entry-level job, such as a computer technician or computer support specialist, can help you gain these skills and obtain hands-on practice in the field.
Salary
As of October 2016, the average yearly pay for software engineers is PHP397,118. The highest paying skills linked to this job are ASP.NET Framework and Microsoft SQL Server. Software developers, on the one hand, earn an average pay of PHP387,554 per year. The key skills that increase pay for this job are C++, Oracle, .NET, and ASP.NET Framework.
Job Outlook
Software engineers and developers are the builders of the digital world. They create everything from Internet browsers to operating systems to smartphone apps. Our modern devices would be useless if it weren’t for skilled coders that write the software that make them work. As such, software engineers and developers are in high demand. Software experts get high pay and seldom have trouble finding work. In addition, unemployment rate for these careers is always below the local average.
Summary
As someone with a creative mind, good coding skills, and passion to learn and create, you’re fit to become a software engineer or a developer. These fields offer many job prospects and much higher pay than other careers. Recent reports likewise state they’ll continue to grow over the next decade.
Do you wish to be a software engineer or developer? CIIT, a leading software engineering school, offers bachelor’s degree in computer science and prepares you for an in-demand job in the technology industry. Learn more details by checking our programs.
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Sources: www.computersciencedegreehub.com | www.payscale.com | www.toptenreviews.com | www.softwareengineerinsider.com | www.study.com | www.finduniversity.ph
