Software engineer which understands hardware too => Hacker ?!

Actually, that is complete software engineer. I've started with computers (programming) some 25+ years ago so it is imprinted into my brain that software engineer must know (at least) basics of hardware. Also, I really could not stand software engineers that do not know some basics of system administration.

I agree. Just wondered cause so many people here replied to hardware questions "I don't do hardware". While that's technically correct, as a software (not embedded / automation / etc) engineer... the basics should be known tho..

I believe everybody must have some hardware knowledge, at least in their respective fields. However 'high-level' programmer they are.
We are an embedded company and I see people occasionally complaining about some stuff being too low level for a software engineer to work on.

@firusvg i agree it is advantageous. But, I also started a long time ago in hw/sw - a simpler time.

@Jumpshot44 Hell yeah, simpler times, indeed! In old days I used to know whole ZX Spectrum memory map by heart (also knew all interrupt calls in MS DOS days). Now, I have few browser documents and PDFs opened just for API calls reference and usually don't even think about machine code and/or number of cycles that compiler generates (not even mention that most software now works in some kind of virtual machine and/or byte code interpreter).

P.S. Optimization?! WTF, buy better hardware. ;)