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nerd-san
7y

Real question, not troll. There is debate about it and I really can't figure it out.

Besides having the title software "engineer," is there really such a thing as a software engineer?

In the US, to be an engineer you have to be regularly tested by a regulated governing body, apprentice under another engineer for years, and be certified on a state level. Whereupon you are personally liable for your designs being FREE from errors.

For one thing, nobody can write bug free code, and the idea of being personally responsible for each bug is terrifying.
And two, I've seen news of people calling themselves software engineers in the USA and Canada and getting a cease and desist or sued for it, despite any level of qualification.

I'm sure there are engineers, especially electrical, computer engineers who also program.

But... ?

I don't know, I can't say either way.
That's why I'm asking.

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  • 4
    7y
    Software engineer would be someone with a degree in computer science as far as I’m concerned.

    That’s your skilled qualification from a state level.

    When you don’t have that, you go by “Developer”.

    Someone that can do and understand the same work at the same level but isn’t qualified.
    These terms get mixed around a lot though.
  • 1
    7y
    @C0D4
    Yeah, but if you have a degree in any other engineering field, it doesn't matter what level of degree you hold, to call yourself an engineer you have to be licensed by the state, which is different.
    Like how lawyers get a degree in law, but then they have to pass the bar to be called lawyers.
    The terms we use or more than just empty platitudes. They have very specific, and sometimes legal, implications.
    Engineer, is one of those terms that in every field, it seems except for software, is highly regulated, specific, and without debate of what it means.
  • 3
    7y
    https://geteducated.com/career-cent...

    Replace "software engineer" with "developer" and it reads perfectly fine.

    Maybe it's a hierarchy

    Developer
    -script kiddie
    -monkey
    -software engineer
  • 1
    7y
    @nerd-san
    With software being unregulated for the most part, I guess it’s a bit open to what engineer really is, in this field.
  • 2
    7y
    In my country, the main difference between computer science and software engineering degrees is the content. Software engineering degrees contain much more of the project management skills which are a part of standard engineering. Also, software engineers are given full engineer accreditation.
  • 3
    7y
    @ItsDuckyyyy
    In your country of...?
    Just curious.
  • 0
    7y
    @nerd-san Australia
  • 0
    7y
    The title you go by is a personal choice and it has little value. Your CV and diplomas are going to be checked before you get assigned any kind of state project.
  • 0
    7y
    In my country we have bachelor degree "engineer in information technologies".

    Subjects we study are mostly backend development, mysql, a bit of c (no c++) etc.

    This is the closest to "software engineer" degree.

    It doesn't however mean much from my POV, because studies in universities are always not up to date with current technologies, and unless you are also self thought developer, your skill level just with this degree is very low.

    It's more of "getting that paper at the end so my family can't say I didn't finish school" kind of thing. And of course looks good in CV to HR.
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