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Is there a difference between a software engineer title and a software developer title in Germany? [duplicate]
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This question already has an answer here:
What is the difference between a software developer, software programmer and software engineer? [closed]
2 answers
Importance (and flexibility) in Job Title Presented in Job-offer
7 answers
I was just offered my very first job, it's a new small to medium size company. It has a startup culture and very flexible. Graduated from a German Uni with a masters in CS. My offer is from a German company and in the contract it's written that the title is a Softwareentwickler or a software developer. However, I would like to write in my CV that my title is a software engineer.
My questions:
1- Is there any difference between those titles in Germany? Because I heard that it's the same thing.
2- What title would be nicer, fancier or recommended to have on a resume, a software engineer or a software developer? In Germany and the US in particular.
Edit: my question is with respect to Germany and not the US.
Edit 2:
from https://www.vde.com/de/Karriere/Beruf-und-Arbeitsmarkt/Seiten/RegulationoftheEngineeringProfessioninGermany.aspx I quote:
First of all, there is a protection to the professional title 'Ingenieur'='Engineer' by laws of German federal states which can only obtained by successful graduation in an engineering discipline or nat. science.
Well I have a bachelor in CS and M.Sc. in CS.
resume new-job title germany
asked May 29 '15 at 21:07
Jack Twain
1,28011132
marked as duplicate by keshlam, gnat, user9158, Carson63000, scaaahu May 30 '15 at 2:52
This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.
 |Â
show 5 more comments
up vote
1
down vote
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This question already has an answer here:
What is the difference between a software developer, software programmer and software engineer? [closed]
2 answers
Importance (and flexibility) in Job Title Presented in Job-offer
7 answers
I was just offered my very first job, it's a new small to medium size company. It has a startup culture and very flexible. Graduated from a German Uni with a masters in CS. My offer is from a German company and in the contract it's written that the title is a Softwareentwickler or a software developer. However, I would like to write in my CV that my title is a software engineer.
My questions:
1- Is there any difference between those titles in Germany? Because I heard that it's the same thing.
2- What title would be nicer, fancier or recommended to have on a resume, a software engineer or a software developer? In Germany and the US in particular.
Edit: my question is with respect to Germany and not the US.
Edit 2:
from https://www.vde.com/de/Karriere/Beruf-und-Arbeitsmarkt/Seiten/RegulationoftheEngineeringProfessioninGermany.aspx I quote:
First of all, there is a protection to the professional title 'Ingenieur'='Engineer' by laws of German federal states which can only obtained by successful graduation in an engineering discipline or nat. science.
Well I have a bachelor in CS and M.Sc. in CS.
resume new-job title germany
asked May 29 '15 at 21:07
Jack Twain
1,28011132
marked as duplicate by keshlam, gnat, user9158, Carson63000, scaaahu May 30 '15 at 2:52
This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.
2
Depends entirely on the company, and sometimes on exactly which management chain you're in.
– keshlam
May 29 '15 at 21:23
1
Very related - workplace.stackexchange.com/q/3347/2322
– Elysian Fields♦
May 29 '15 at 21:24
If your current company hired you as a "software developer", but you later list that on your CV as "software engineer", then it could be seen as dishonest, even if the job responsibilities are identical. On your CV you put the actual title that you held. If the title is important to you you could try to negotiate with the company before accepting the offer. Small companies may be more flexible in this regard.
– Brandin
May 30 '15 at 7:58
If you revived the US component you could probably reopen this as not a duplicate as per my answer.
– user9158
May 30 '15 at 13:04
This question should be reopened. I wouldn't say it's the same thing - even if the same tasks are meaned in some positions. IMHO the difference in daily usage in Germany for these terms is as following: A software developer doesn't need to have an engineering degree (he could have one, but as likely he could have done a 3,5 years vocational training), software engineers on the other hand are always expected to have one.
– s1lv3r
May 30 '15 at 16:58
 |Â
show 5 more comments
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
up vote
1
down vote
favorite
This question already has an answer here:
What is the difference between a software developer, software programmer and software engineer? [closed]
2 answers
Importance (and flexibility) in Job Title Presented in Job-offer
7 answers
I was just offered my very first job, it's a new small to medium size company. It has a startup culture and very flexible. Graduated from a German Uni with a masters in CS. My offer is from a German company and in the contract it's written that the title is a Softwareentwickler or a software developer. However, I would like to write in my CV that my title is a software engineer.
My questions:
1- Is there any difference between those titles in Germany? Because I heard that it's the same thing.
2- What title would be nicer, fancier or recommended to have on a resume, a software engineer or a software developer? In Germany and the US in particular.
Edit: my question is with respect to Germany and not the US.
Edit 2:
from https://www.vde.com/de/Karriere/Beruf-und-Arbeitsmarkt/Seiten/RegulationoftheEngineeringProfessioninGermany.aspx I quote:
First of all, there is a protection to the professional title 'Ingenieur'='Engineer' by laws of German federal states which can only obtained by successful graduation in an engineering discipline or nat. science.
Well I have a bachelor in CS and M.Sc. in CS.
resume new-job title germany
asked May 29 '15 at 21:07
Jack Twain
1,28011132
This question already has an answer here:
What is the difference between a software developer, software programmer and software engineer? [closed]
2 answers
Importance (and flexibility) in Job Title Presented in Job-offer
7 answers
I was just offered my very first job, it's a new small to medium size company. It has a startup culture and very flexible. Graduated from a German Uni with a masters in CS. My offer is from a German company and in the contract it's written that the title is a Softwareentwickler or a software developer. However, I would like to write in my CV that my title is a software engineer.
My questions:
1- Is there any difference between those titles in Germany? Because I heard that it's the same thing.
2- What title would be nicer, fancier or recommended to have on a resume, a software engineer or a software developer? In Germany and the US in particular.
Edit: my question is with respect to Germany and not the US.
Edit 2:
from https://www.vde.com/de/Karriere/Beruf-und-Arbeitsmarkt/Seiten/RegulationoftheEngineeringProfessioninGermany.aspx I quote:
First of all, there is a protection to the professional title 'Ingenieur'='Engineer' by laws of German federal states which can only obtained by successful graduation in an engineering discipline or nat. science.
Well I have a bachelor in CS and M.Sc. in CS.
This question already has an answer here:
What is the difference between a software developer, software programmer and software engineer? [closed]
2 answers
Importance (and flexibility) in Job Title Presented in Job-offer
7 answers
resume new-job title germany
asked May 29 '15 at 21:07
Jack Twain
1,28011132
edited May 30 '15 at 18:14
asked May 29 '15 at 21:07
Jack Twain
1,28011132
asked May 29 '15 at 21:07
Jack Twain
1,28011132
asked May 29 '15 at 21:07
Jack Twain
1,28011132
1,28011132
marked as duplicate by keshlam, gnat, user9158, Carson63000, scaaahu May 30 '15 at 2:52
This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.
marked as duplicate by keshlam, gnat, user9158, Carson63000, scaaahu May 30 '15 at 2:52
This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.
2
Depends entirely on the company, and sometimes on exactly which management chain you're in.
– keshlam
May 29 '15 at 21:23
1
Very related - workplace.stackexchange.com/q/3347/2322
– Elysian Fields♦
May 29 '15 at 21:24
If your current company hired you as a "software developer", but you later list that on your CV as "software engineer", then it could be seen as dishonest, even if the job responsibilities are identical. On your CV you put the actual title that you held. If the title is important to you you could try to negotiate with the company before accepting the offer. Small companies may be more flexible in this regard.
– Brandin
May 30 '15 at 7:58
If you revived the US component you could probably reopen this as not a duplicate as per my answer.
– user9158
May 30 '15 at 13:04
This question should be reopened. I wouldn't say it's the same thing - even if the same tasks are meaned in some positions. IMHO the difference in daily usage in Germany for these terms is as following: A software developer doesn't need to have an engineering degree (he could have one, but as likely he could have done a 3,5 years vocational training), software engineers on the other hand are always expected to have one.
– s1lv3r
May 30 '15 at 16:58
 |Â
show 5 more comments
2
Depends entirely on the company, and sometimes on exactly which management chain you're in.
– keshlam
May 29 '15 at 21:23
1
Very related - workplace.stackexchange.com/q/3347/2322
– Elysian Fields♦
May 29 '15 at 21:24
If your current company hired you as a "software developer", but you later list that on your CV as "software engineer", then it could be seen as dishonest, even if the job responsibilities are identical. On your CV you put the actual title that you held. If the title is important to you you could try to negotiate with the company before accepting the offer. Small companies may be more flexible in this regard.
– Brandin
May 30 '15 at 7:58
If you revived the US component you could probably reopen this as not a duplicate as per my answer.
– user9158
May 30 '15 at 13:04
This question should be reopened. I wouldn't say it's the same thing - even if the same tasks are meaned in some positions. IMHO the difference in daily usage in Germany for these terms is as following: A software developer doesn't need to have an engineering degree (he could have one, but as likely he could have done a 3,5 years vocational training), software engineers on the other hand are always expected to have one.
– s1lv3r
May 30 '15 at 16:58
2
2
Depends entirely on the company, and sometimes on exactly which management chain you're in.
– keshlam
May 29 '15 at 21:23
Depends entirely on the company, and sometimes on exactly which management chain you're in.
– keshlam
May 29 '15 at 21:23
1
1
Very related - workplace.stackexchange.com/q/3347/2322
– Elysian Fields♦
May 29 '15 at 21:24
Very related - workplace.stackexchange.com/q/3347/2322
– Elysian Fields♦
May 29 '15 at 21:24
If your current company hired you as a "software developer", but you later list that on your CV as "software engineer", then it could be seen as dishonest, even if the job responsibilities are identical. On your CV you put the actual title that you held. If the title is important to you you could try to negotiate with the company before accepting the offer. Small companies may be more flexible in this regard.
– Brandin
May 30 '15 at 7:58
If your current company hired you as a "software developer", but you later list that on your CV as "software engineer", then it could be seen as dishonest, even if the job responsibilities are identical. On your CV you put the actual title that you held. If the title is important to you you could try to negotiate with the company before accepting the offer. Small companies may be more flexible in this regard.
– Brandin
May 30 '15 at 7:58
If you revived the US component you could probably reopen this as not a duplicate as per my answer.
– user9158
May 30 '15 at 13:04
If you revived the US component you could probably reopen this as not a duplicate as per my answer.
– user9158
May 30 '15 at 13:04
This question should be reopened. I wouldn't say it's the same thing - even if the same tasks are meaned in some positions. IMHO the difference in daily usage in Germany for these terms is as following: A software developer doesn't need to have an engineering degree (he could have one, but as likely he could have done a 3,5 years vocational training), software engineers on the other hand are always expected to have one.
– s1lv3r
May 30 '15 at 16:58
This question should be reopened. I wouldn't say it's the same thing - even if the same tasks are meaned in some positions. IMHO the difference in daily usage in Germany for these terms is as following: A software developer doesn't need to have an engineering degree (he could have one, but as likely he could have done a 3,5 years vocational training), software engineers on the other hand are always expected to have one.
– s1lv3r
May 30 '15 at 16:58
 |Â
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4 Answers
4
active
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up vote
4
down vote
In Germany (and the rest of Europe) "Engineer" is a protected title, and unless your degree is that of a "Software Engineer" you could get in legal trouble.
Unless you have conclusive proof otherwise, stick to "Software Developer".
I have an engineering bachelor degree! But my masters is a science degree.
– Jack Twain
May 30 '15 at 8:06
See my latest edit
– Jack Twain
May 30 '15 at 18:15
@JackTwain are you a member of the IEEE or the equivalent in Germany
– Pepone
May 31 '15 at 10:47
1
@JackTwain you went to a German uni ad you don't know what the german professional body for Engineers is?
– Pepone
May 31 '15 at 17:50
1
You don't speak German, yet graduated from a German University?
– user9158
Jun 1 '15 at 6:07
 |Â
show 3 more comments
up vote
1
down vote
For USA, I've read hundreds of engineering resumes:
"Engineer" does sound better than "Developer" and that is the word that I've seen the most on resumes.
For a random company to a random company, your title doesn't mean much to the hiring manager. A "software engineer" at one company doesn't translate much to another company. There is so much information and variability betweeen roles that isn't conveyed in the title. Anyone worth their salt is not going to care about the difference between developer vs engineer. Software engineers are not licensed professionals, so there is no legal standard to uphold.
answered May 29 '15 at 23:06
Bowen
1,633518
I think it might in Germany they seem to value titles more
– Pepone
May 31 '15 at 10:46
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
Job titles are often vague. Here in the U.S., there's no hard and fast distinction between a "software developer" and a "software engineer". Personally I think "engineer" sounds more impressive and that's what I call myself when I want to be pretentious. Usually I just say I'm "a computer guy", though.
If the company has official titles, like if they give you business cards or a name plate or have some official form that says "Jack Twain ... software developer", then that's what I'd put on my resume in the future. I'd hate to have a future employer say, "Hey, you told us you were a software engineer with Foobar Company, but we called them and they said you were a mere software DEVELOPER. You lied on your resume!" I doubt most people would see a difference, but I wouldn't push it, just in case. But if it's a company where titles are more casual, you can call yourself pretty much whatever you want, as long as it's remotely plausible.
answered May 29 '15 at 22:36
Jay
8,58611430
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
Of course there are differences, I would classify them as follows:
Software Engineer - someone who takes a comprehensive spec and turns it into efficient code. They will be big on the theory side of things and algorithm efficiency, and have done an engineering degree. Typical role would be for someone at NASA, where efficiency and bug free code is paramount, or in OS development, or some high performance realtime system.
Software Developer - this is someone who is involved in more of the life cycle, so requirements, design of software/applications, probably doing a range of functionality from back end to UI and databases etc. Typically in an applications development company.
So the engineer is a more focused role, but with a much narrower scope, the developer is involved in more of the overall system, but with less specialism.
Think of the real world analog. If you wanted a house built you'd get a developer. However for certain specialist parts he may bring in a structural engineer to ensure the key parts were built correctly. But you're unlikely to get a structural engineer to build the whole house.
So depending on the where you fit, choose the title that"s right
answered May 29 '15 at 23:08
The Wandering Dev Manager
29.8k956107
I have a bachelor degree in engineering (computer) and a masters degree in CS.
– Jack Twain
May 30 '15 at 8:11
suggest improvements |Â
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
4
down vote
In Germany (and the rest of Europe) "Engineer" is a protected title, and unless your degree is that of a "Software Engineer" you could get in legal trouble.
Unless you have conclusive proof otherwise, stick to "Software Developer".
I have an engineering bachelor degree! But my masters is a science degree.
– Jack Twain
May 30 '15 at 8:06
See my latest edit
– Jack Twain
May 30 '15 at 18:15
@JackTwain are you a member of the IEEE or the equivalent in Germany
– Pepone
May 31 '15 at 10:47
1
@JackTwain you went to a German uni ad you don't know what the german professional body for Engineers is?
– Pepone
May 31 '15 at 17:50
1
You don't speak German, yet graduated from a German University?
– user9158
Jun 1 '15 at 6:07
 |Â
show 3 more comments
up vote
4
down vote
In Germany (and the rest of Europe) "Engineer" is a protected title, and unless your degree is that of a "Software Engineer" you could get in legal trouble.
Unless you have conclusive proof otherwise, stick to "Software Developer".
I have an engineering bachelor degree! But my masters is a science degree.
– Jack Twain
May 30 '15 at 8:06
See my latest edit
– Jack Twain
May 30 '15 at 18:15
@JackTwain are you a member of the IEEE or the equivalent in Germany
– Pepone
May 31 '15 at 10:47
1
@JackTwain you went to a German uni ad you don't know what the german professional body for Engineers is?
– Pepone
May 31 '15 at 17:50
1
You don't speak German, yet graduated from a German University?
– user9158
Jun 1 '15 at 6:07
 |Â
show 3 more comments
up vote
4
down vote
up vote
4
down vote
In Germany (and the rest of Europe) "Engineer" is a protected title, and unless your degree is that of a "Software Engineer" you could get in legal trouble.
Unless you have conclusive proof otherwise, stick to "Software Developer".
In Germany (and the rest of Europe) "Engineer" is a protected title, and unless your degree is that of a "Software Engineer" you could get in legal trouble.
Unless you have conclusive proof otherwise, stick to "Software Developer".
answered May 29 '15 at 23:09
user9158
I have an engineering bachelor degree! But my masters is a science degree.
– Jack Twain
May 30 '15 at 8:06
See my latest edit
– Jack Twain
May 30 '15 at 18:15
@JackTwain are you a member of the IEEE or the equivalent in Germany
– Pepone
May 31 '15 at 10:47
1
@JackTwain you went to a German uni ad you don't know what the german professional body for Engineers is?
– Pepone
May 31 '15 at 17:50
1
You don't speak German, yet graduated from a German University?
– user9158
Jun 1 '15 at 6:07
 |Â
show 3 more comments
I have an engineering bachelor degree! But my masters is a science degree.
– Jack Twain
May 30 '15 at 8:06
See my latest edit
– Jack Twain
May 30 '15 at 18:15
@JackTwain are you a member of the IEEE or the equivalent in Germany
– Pepone
May 31 '15 at 10:47
1
@JackTwain you went to a German uni ad you don't know what the german professional body for Engineers is?
– Pepone
May 31 '15 at 17:50
1
You don't speak German, yet graduated from a German University?
– user9158
Jun 1 '15 at 6:07
I have an engineering bachelor degree! But my masters is a science degree.
– Jack Twain
May 30 '15 at 8:06
I have an engineering bachelor degree! But my masters is a science degree.
– Jack Twain
May 30 '15 at 8:06
See my latest edit
– Jack Twain
May 30 '15 at 18:15
See my latest edit
– Jack Twain
May 30 '15 at 18:15
@JackTwain are you a member of the IEEE or the equivalent in Germany
– Pepone
May 31 '15 at 10:47
@JackTwain are you a member of the IEEE or the equivalent in Germany
– Pepone
May 31 '15 at 10:47
1
1
@JackTwain you went to a German uni ad you don't know what the german professional body for Engineers is?
– Pepone
May 31 '15 at 17:50
@JackTwain you went to a German uni ad you don't know what the german professional body for Engineers is?
– Pepone
May 31 '15 at 17:50
1
1
You don't speak German, yet graduated from a German University?
– user9158
Jun 1 '15 at 6:07
You don't speak German, yet graduated from a German University?
– user9158
Jun 1 '15 at 6:07
 |Â
show 3 more comments
up vote
1
down vote
For USA, I've read hundreds of engineering resumes:
"Engineer" does sound better than "Developer" and that is the word that I've seen the most on resumes.
For a random company to a random company, your title doesn't mean much to the hiring manager. A "software engineer" at one company doesn't translate much to another company. There is so much information and variability betweeen roles that isn't conveyed in the title. Anyone worth their salt is not going to care about the difference between developer vs engineer. Software engineers are not licensed professionals, so there is no legal standard to uphold.
answered May 29 '15 at 23:06
Bowen
1,633518
I think it might in Germany they seem to value titles more
– Pepone
May 31 '15 at 10:46
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
For USA, I've read hundreds of engineering resumes:
"Engineer" does sound better than "Developer" and that is the word that I've seen the most on resumes.
For a random company to a random company, your title doesn't mean much to the hiring manager. A "software engineer" at one company doesn't translate much to another company. There is so much information and variability betweeen roles that isn't conveyed in the title. Anyone worth their salt is not going to care about the difference between developer vs engineer. Software engineers are not licensed professionals, so there is no legal standard to uphold.
answered May 29 '15 at 23:06
Bowen
1,633518
I think it might in Germany they seem to value titles more
– Pepone
May 31 '15 at 10:46
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
For USA, I've read hundreds of engineering resumes:
"Engineer" does sound better than "Developer" and that is the word that I've seen the most on resumes.
For a random company to a random company, your title doesn't mean much to the hiring manager. A "software engineer" at one company doesn't translate much to another company. There is so much information and variability betweeen roles that isn't conveyed in the title. Anyone worth their salt is not going to care about the difference between developer vs engineer. Software engineers are not licensed professionals, so there is no legal standard to uphold.
answered May 29 '15 at 23:06
Bowen
1,633518
For USA, I've read hundreds of engineering resumes:
"Engineer" does sound better than "Developer" and that is the word that I've seen the most on resumes.
For a random company to a random company, your title doesn't mean much to the hiring manager. A "software engineer" at one company doesn't translate much to another company. There is so much information and variability betweeen roles that isn't conveyed in the title. Anyone worth their salt is not going to care about the difference between developer vs engineer. Software engineers are not licensed professionals, so there is no legal standard to uphold.
answered May 29 '15 at 23:06
Bowen
1,633518
answered May 29 '15 at 23:06
Bowen
1,633518
answered May 29 '15 at 23:06
Bowen
1,633518
answered May 29 '15 at 23:06
Bowen
1,633518
1,633518
I think it might in Germany they seem to value titles more
– Pepone
May 31 '15 at 10:46
suggest improvements |Â
I think it might in Germany they seem to value titles more
– Pepone
May 31 '15 at 10:46
I think it might in Germany they seem to value titles more
– Pepone
May 31 '15 at 10:46
I think it might in Germany they seem to value titles more
– Pepone
May 31 '15 at 10:46
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
Job titles are often vague. Here in the U.S., there's no hard and fast distinction between a "software developer" and a "software engineer". Personally I think "engineer" sounds more impressive and that's what I call myself when I want to be pretentious. Usually I just say I'm "a computer guy", though.
If the company has official titles, like if they give you business cards or a name plate or have some official form that says "Jack Twain ... software developer", then that's what I'd put on my resume in the future. I'd hate to have a future employer say, "Hey, you told us you were a software engineer with Foobar Company, but we called them and they said you were a mere software DEVELOPER. You lied on your resume!" I doubt most people would see a difference, but I wouldn't push it, just in case. But if it's a company where titles are more casual, you can call yourself pretty much whatever you want, as long as it's remotely plausible.
answered May 29 '15 at 22:36
Jay
8,58611430
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
Job titles are often vague. Here in the U.S., there's no hard and fast distinction between a "software developer" and a "software engineer". Personally I think "engineer" sounds more impressive and that's what I call myself when I want to be pretentious. Usually I just say I'm "a computer guy", though.
If the company has official titles, like if they give you business cards or a name plate or have some official form that says "Jack Twain ... software developer", then that's what I'd put on my resume in the future. I'd hate to have a future employer say, "Hey, you told us you were a software engineer with Foobar Company, but we called them and they said you were a mere software DEVELOPER. You lied on your resume!" I doubt most people would see a difference, but I wouldn't push it, just in case. But if it's a company where titles are more casual, you can call yourself pretty much whatever you want, as long as it's remotely plausible.
answered May 29 '15 at 22:36
Jay
8,58611430
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
Job titles are often vague. Here in the U.S., there's no hard and fast distinction between a "software developer" and a "software engineer". Personally I think "engineer" sounds more impressive and that's what I call myself when I want to be pretentious. Usually I just say I'm "a computer guy", though.
If the company has official titles, like if they give you business cards or a name plate or have some official form that says "Jack Twain ... software developer", then that's what I'd put on my resume in the future. I'd hate to have a future employer say, "Hey, you told us you were a software engineer with Foobar Company, but we called them and they said you were a mere software DEVELOPER. You lied on your resume!" I doubt most people would see a difference, but I wouldn't push it, just in case. But if it's a company where titles are more casual, you can call yourself pretty much whatever you want, as long as it's remotely plausible.
answered May 29 '15 at 22:36
Jay
8,58611430
Job titles are often vague. Here in the U.S., there's no hard and fast distinction between a "software developer" and a "software engineer". Personally I think "engineer" sounds more impressive and that's what I call myself when I want to be pretentious. Usually I just say I'm "a computer guy", though.
If the company has official titles, like if they give you business cards or a name plate or have some official form that says "Jack Twain ... software developer", then that's what I'd put on my resume in the future. I'd hate to have a future employer say, "Hey, you told us you were a software engineer with Foobar Company, but we called them and they said you were a mere software DEVELOPER. You lied on your resume!" I doubt most people would see a difference, but I wouldn't push it, just in case. But if it's a company where titles are more casual, you can call yourself pretty much whatever you want, as long as it's remotely plausible.
answered May 29 '15 at 22:36
Jay
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answered May 29 '15 at 22:36
Jay
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answered May 29 '15 at 22:36
Jay
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answered May 29 '15 at 22:36
Jay
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8,58611430
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Of course there are differences, I would classify them as follows:
Software Engineer - someone who takes a comprehensive spec and turns it into efficient code. They will be big on the theory side of things and algorithm efficiency, and have done an engineering degree. Typical role would be for someone at NASA, where efficiency and bug free code is paramount, or in OS development, or some high performance realtime system.
Software Developer - this is someone who is involved in more of the life cycle, so requirements, design of software/applications, probably doing a range of functionality from back end to UI and databases etc. Typically in an applications development company.
So the engineer is a more focused role, but with a much narrower scope, the developer is involved in more of the overall system, but with less specialism.
Think of the real world analog. If you wanted a house built you'd get a developer. However for certain specialist parts he may bring in a structural engineer to ensure the key parts were built correctly. But you're unlikely to get a structural engineer to build the whole house.
So depending on the where you fit, choose the title that"s right
answered May 29 '15 at 23:08
The Wandering Dev Manager
29.8k956107
I have a bachelor degree in engineering (computer) and a masters degree in CS.
– Jack Twain
May 30 '15 at 8:11
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down vote
Of course there are differences, I would classify them as follows:
Software Engineer - someone who takes a comprehensive spec and turns it into efficient code. They will be big on the theory side of things and algorithm efficiency, and have done an engineering degree. Typical role would be for someone at NASA, where efficiency and bug free code is paramount, or in OS development, or some high performance realtime system.
Software Developer - this is someone who is involved in more of the life cycle, so requirements, design of software/applications, probably doing a range of functionality from back end to UI and databases etc. Typically in an applications development company.
So the engineer is a more focused role, but with a much narrower scope, the developer is involved in more of the overall system, but with less specialism.
Think of the real world analog. If you wanted a house built you'd get a developer. However for certain specialist parts he may bring in a structural engineer to ensure the key parts were built correctly. But you're unlikely to get a structural engineer to build the whole house.
So depending on the where you fit, choose the title that"s right
answered May 29 '15 at 23:08
The Wandering Dev Manager
29.8k956107
I have a bachelor degree in engineering (computer) and a masters degree in CS.
– Jack Twain
May 30 '15 at 8:11
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
Of course there are differences, I would classify them as follows:
Software Engineer - someone who takes a comprehensive spec and turns it into efficient code. They will be big on the theory side of things and algorithm efficiency, and have done an engineering degree. Typical role would be for someone at NASA, where efficiency and bug free code is paramount, or in OS development, or some high performance realtime system.
Software Developer - this is someone who is involved in more of the life cycle, so requirements, design of software/applications, probably doing a range of functionality from back end to UI and databases etc. Typically in an applications development company.
So the engineer is a more focused role, but with a much narrower scope, the developer is involved in more of the overall system, but with less specialism.
Think of the real world analog. If you wanted a house built you'd get a developer. However for certain specialist parts he may bring in a structural engineer to ensure the key parts were built correctly. But you're unlikely to get a structural engineer to build the whole house.
So depending on the where you fit, choose the title that"s right
answered May 29 '15 at 23:08
The Wandering Dev Manager
29.8k956107
Of course there are differences, I would classify them as follows:
Software Engineer - someone who takes a comprehensive spec and turns it into efficient code. They will be big on the theory side of things and algorithm efficiency, and have done an engineering degree. Typical role would be for someone at NASA, where efficiency and bug free code is paramount, or in OS development, or some high performance realtime system.
Software Developer - this is someone who is involved in more of the life cycle, so requirements, design of software/applications, probably doing a range of functionality from back end to UI and databases etc. Typically in an applications development company.
So the engineer is a more focused role, but with a much narrower scope, the developer is involved in more of the overall system, but with less specialism.
Think of the real world analog. If you wanted a house built you'd get a developer. However for certain specialist parts he may bring in a structural engineer to ensure the key parts were built correctly. But you're unlikely to get a structural engineer to build the whole house.
So depending on the where you fit, choose the title that"s right
answered May 29 '15 at 23:08
The Wandering Dev Manager
29.8k956107
edited May 29 '15 at 23:18
answered May 29 '15 at 23:08
The Wandering Dev Manager
29.8k956107
answered May 29 '15 at 23:08
The Wandering Dev Manager
29.8k956107
answered May 29 '15 at 23:08
The Wandering Dev Manager
29.8k956107
29.8k956107
I have a bachelor degree in engineering (computer) and a masters degree in CS.
– Jack Twain
May 30 '15 at 8:11
suggest improvements |Â
I have a bachelor degree in engineering (computer) and a masters degree in CS.
– Jack Twain
May 30 '15 at 8:11
I have a bachelor degree in engineering (computer) and a masters degree in CS.
– Jack Twain
May 30 '15 at 8:11
I have a bachelor degree in engineering (computer) and a masters degree in CS.
– Jack Twain
May 30 '15 at 8:11
suggest improvements |Â
2
Depends entirely on the company, and sometimes on exactly which management chain you're in.
– keshlam
May 29 '15 at 21:23
1
Very related - workplace.stackexchange.com/q/3347/2322
– Elysian Fields♦
May 29 '15 at 21:24
If your current company hired you as a "software developer", but you later list that on your CV as "software engineer", then it could be seen as dishonest, even if the job responsibilities are identical. On your CV you put the actual title that you held. If the title is important to you you could try to negotiate with the company before accepting the offer. Small companies may be more flexible in this regard.
– Brandin
May 30 '15 at 7:58
If you revived the US component you could probably reopen this as not a duplicate as per my answer.
– user9158
May 30 '15 at 13:04
This question should be reopened. I wouldn't say it's the same thing - even if the same tasks are meaned in some positions. IMHO the difference in daily usage in Germany for these terms is as following: A software developer doesn't need to have an engineering degree (he could have one, but as likely he could have done a 3,5 years vocational training), software engineers on the other hand are always expected to have one.
– s1lv3r
May 30 '15 at 16:58