Software Engineer vs. Developer: Why Collaborative Roles Matter

In recent years, we’ve seen an influx of new technologies and evolving trends in the software industry. From the accelerated adoption of AI to the rise of low-code and no-code development, how we approach software has greatly changed.

There’s also a growing emphasis on digital-first organizations. This has led to a surge in demand for software developers and engineers. For instance, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment of software developers is projected to grow by 25% (2022-2032). This indicates a faster growth rate compared to other occupations.

Whether you’re an aspiring tech professional or looking for a software specialist, the software developer vs. software engineer issue can lead to confusion. These terms are often used interchangeably. However, they’re two very different roles.

This guide will shed some light on their differences and how integrating their expertise can benefit organizations.

Understanding the Role of Developers and Software Engineers

In the software engineer vs. software developer debate, to better understand their differences and roles, we must first know the difference between software development and software engineering.

Software Development

Software development is important because software now plays a bigger role in our daily lives. Almost everything has a software component to it, from our phones to our cars and even our kids’ toys.

Software developers design, build, and deploy this software. Their roles may sometimes overlap with those of programmers or coders.

Developers translate your idea of what a program or software should be and turn it into an actual solution you can use. Aside from coding and programming, where they choose the best programming language for a project, developers’ responsibilities may include:

• Analysis and Planning. During the software’s development process, developers may account for and incorporate aspects like the user interface, technical specifications, and functionality.
• Collaboration. When working on a project, developers will work with different specialists, including software engineers and project managers. This ensures you get a tailored solution that perfectly meets your business requirements and expectations.

Software Engineering

Software engineering is an integral part of our increasingly digital world. We use software solutions daily and have a growing need for efficient and cutting-edge systems.

Software engineering is the application of engineering approaches and principles to designing and developing these systems. It also covers their testing and maintenance. Through software engineering, engineers can create solutions that are innovative, immersive, and practical. These solutions, in turn, help us achieve enhanced productivity and deliver better experiences to end users.

Software Developer vs. Software Engineer: Which Is Which?

Here’s a cursory look at the differences between these two roles: software developers are mainly tasked with designing the software. They’re also responsible for debugging it. Meanwhile, software engineers may be tasked to oversee an entire team and work on a much larger scale compared to developers. They’ll need to manage team communications and discuss their client’s project requirements.

Below, we’ll take a closer look at aspects like their potential career paths, opportunities, and salary range to further establish the differences between them.

Software Developers

According to Built In, the average salary for developers in the US is $144,336. This can vary depending on factors like your location, level of experience, and industry. Moreover, software developers can follow a nonlinear career path and have greater flexibility. They can pursue a more specific field of development, like mobile or full-stack development.

Below are some of the key skills that developers are required to have:

• Expertise in widely used programming languages like Java and Python
• Knowledge of writing and testing code
• An extensive understanding of software architecture
• Knowledge of algorithms and data structures
• Mathematical and problem-solving skills

Developers also have the opportunity to work in industries like finance, manufacturing, and computer systems design. Developers are often confused with programmers—which is a distinct profession.

Software Engineers

Like software developers, an engineer’s salary can vary, depending on their location and experience level. Other factors that may influence their salary include:

• Education
• Technical skills
• Industry demand

According to Built In, the average base salary of software engineers in the US is $136,082.

So, what does a software engineer do? Their tasks can vary depending on the type of project they’re working on. Generally, software engineer services may include:

• Understanding software requirements to develop a concept and design
• Planning the project, which involves factoring in software lifecycles and development methods
• Analyzing the needs of end users

Software engineers must also have the following skills:

• Extensive knowledge and experience in different programming languages
• Knowledge in software development and computer operating systems
• Knowledge of engineering principles and object-oriented design
• Capability to build tools necessary for developing software

Software Engineer vs. Developer: Which Specialist Do You Need for Your Project?

How do you determine which one you need for your IT project? Your choice will depend on your business’s needs.

For instance, if you need to create new tools, it may be better to work with a software engineer. That’s because they know how to develop tools used by programmers and developers to build software. If you’re working on a small-scale project, then consider hiring a developer since they can work independently and cover the basic foundations needed to execute your project. Otherwise, opt for a software engineer who can oversee the entire project, including the teams involved.

Integrating the expertise of software developers and engineers can benefit your organization, regardless of where you are in the software development stage. Going beyond their differences, software developers and engineers share several similarities. For instance, they play a vital role in creating the software we’re using. Both engineers and developers must:

• Know how to write and test code
• Be familiar with different programming languages
• Be knowledgeable in using frameworks and libraries

As new trends in software engineering and development continue to emerge, having both developers and engineers on board for your project gives you a strategic advantage. For instance, they can work together to develop software tailored to fit your needs perfectly.

If you’re planning to execute an IT project, consider looking into software developer outsourcing. This lets you efficiently complete your projects without taking on additional staff. Plus, you still get custom software that you’ll have complete control and ownership over.

Helping You Build Better Custom Solutions

While it seems like there is no end to the software engineer vs. developer issue, modern businesses can benefit greatly from bringing these experts together.

A reliable custom software development company can help bridge the skills gap. Whether you are planning to create mobile app development software or develop enterprise software, we are your partners in innovation.

From mobile app development to data engineering and analytics, we create solutions that focus on solving real, human problems. Find out how our experts at Taazaa can help bring your vision to life. Contact us today to discuss your custom software needs.