Software Developer vs. Software Engineer: Key Differences

In the tech world, the terms software developer and software engineer are often used interchangeably, but developers and engineers actually have different roles.

Both roles need good programming skills, but software engineers usually have more responsibilities. Knowing the key differences helps you understand what each role does in a tech team.

It will also help you make informed decisions about what career you’re aiming for and the salary potential it offers.

Key Takeaways

The terms software developer and software engineer are often used interchangeably, but developers and engineers have different roles.
A software engineer focuses on the whole process of creating software.
A software developer writes the code to build the software.
If you enjoy solving problems and making things work, you might like being a software engineer.
If you prefer writing code and building apps, being a software developer could be a better fit.
Software engineer vs. software developer salary ranges are comparable, with software engineers having a slight edge.

Table of Contents Table of Contents

Key Takeaways
Software Developer vs. Software Engineer: Understanding Each Role in the Workplace
Software Engineer vs. Software Developer: Which Is Better?
The Bottom Line
FAQs
References

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways
Software Developer vs. Software Engineer: Understanding Each Role in the Workplace
Software Engineer vs. Software Developer: Which Is Better?

Show Full Guide

The Bottom Line
FAQs
References

Software Developer vs. Software Engineer: Understanding Each Role in the Workplace

What's the difference between a software engineer and a software developer?

A software engineer (SWE) focuses on the whole process of creating software from planning and designing to keeping it running. The engineer thinks about how all the parts fit together.
A software developer (SWD) means someone who writes the code to build the software.

Here’s a table summarizing the major differences between a software developer vs. a software engineer:

Factors	Software Engineer	Software Developer
Role	Focuses on the whole process of creating software, from planning and designing to keeping it running	Writes the code to build the software
Skills	Developing/testing code Understanding user needs Knowledge of object-oriented design Problem-solving Collaboration and teamwork	Programming languages Algorithms and data structures Version control Database management Testing and debugging
Education	College degree, bootcamps, learn on their own	College degree, coding bootcamps, learn on their own
Total salary per year in the US	$138,942	$131,109

Software Engineer’s Role & Career Path

Although software engineers share some skills with software developers, they have different jobs in their companies.

Software engineers design, build, and test software, as well as write instructions on how to use that software. While developers know how to write code in different languages, software engineers focus on using science and math to solve problems.

Software engineers typically learn technical skills through college degrees in computer science or related fields or bootcamps, but they can also teach themselves. Many employers value skills and job performance more than formal degrees.

Required Skills

Developing & Testing Code

Software engineers write, test, and fix code to make sure its reliable and works well. They need to know programming languages, including Java, Python, and C++. They also use tools, such as Git, to collaborate with others. By knowing testing methods, such as unit and integration testing, they can spot and fix problems quickly, which makes the software better for users.

Understanding User Needs

To build useful software, engineers have to understand what users want. They do this by researching, gathering feedback, and observing how users interact with software. When software engineers understand users and their problems, they can create new apps or improve existing ones, which makes users happier and more involved.

Knowledge of Object-Oriented Design

Object-oriented design is an important skill for software engineers. It means breaking code into reusable pieces called objects. This makes software easier to change and manage. Engineers use ideas such as classes, inheritance, and encapsulation to build strong applications that can be updated easily.

Problem-Solving

Software engineers often face difficult problems. To tackle these, they break the problems into smaller pieces, look for patterns, and find the best solutions. Strong problem-solving skills help software engineers spot potential issues before they happen and find ways to avoid them. This skill is essential for fixing bugs, making the code run better, and improving the overall system.

Collaboration & Teamwork

Software engineers work with many people, including clients, other engineers, developers, and cybersecurity experts. They also collaborate with non-technical team members to ensure projects meet business goals. Good communication and teamwork are key to creating a friendly work environment that encourages new ideas and helps projects succeed.

Software Engineer Salary

As of September 2024, the average software engineer salary in the United States is $107,334 per year. The estimated additional compensation is $31,608 per year. The average total compensation for a software engineer in the US is $138,942 per year.

Software Developer vs Software Engineer

Software Developer’s Role & Career Path

Software developers create, test, and improve computer programs and apps for users. They often work with teams, including testers and quality assurance (QA) analysts. Software developers can work for tech companies or companies in other industries, such as finance or manufacturing.

Developers use a variety of tools, such as GitHub and Azure, to build and fix software. Developers also write code using various programming languages, such as Python, Java, and C++.

Most software developers have degrees in computer science or related fields. However, others interested in software development learn through coding bootcamps or by studying on their own, for example, by taking classes online. Many start as testers or QA analysts before moving into senior roles.

Required skills

There are a number of skills software developers need, including:

Programming Languages

Software developers have to know how to use one or more popular computer languages, such as Java, Python, C++, or JavaScript, so they can build software. Each language has its own strengths. For example, Java is often used for large business applications, while Python is good for data science and automation.

Algorithms & Data Structures

Developers have to know common algorithms, such as sorting and searching, as well as data structures, such as arrays, linked lists, and hash tables. Knowing these helps developers write better code, especially when they’re working with a lot of data.

Version Control

Software developers use version control systems, such as Git, to keep track of code changes as well as work together with their teams. Knowing how to use Git helps them manage different versions of their code, fix problems when changes overlap, and keep everything organized. This is really important when many developers are working on the same project.

Database Management

Developers need database management skills because most programs they create need to store and handle data. Knowing how to work with databases helps them organize, find, and manage data easily. This ensures the programs work well, use data correctly, and can handle more data in the future. This makes it easier for people to use the software.

Testing & Debugging

Writing code is just one part of a developer’s job. They also need to test their code to make sure it works right. Developers use tests and tools to see if their software runs properly. If there are any issues, they need debugging skills to find and fix mistakes, whether they’re errors in the code or problems with how the program works.

Software Developer Salary

As of September 2024, the average software developer salary in the United States is $101,671 per year. The estimated additional compensation for a software developer in the US is $29,438. The average total compensation for a software developer in the US is $131,109 per year.

Software Engineer vs. Software Developer: Which Is Better?

When you think about the roles of software engineer and software developer, it’s important to know how they’re different. A software engineer designs and plans the whole process of creating software, while a software developer builds applications by writing code and fixing issues.

The best job for you depends on what you like and what you want to do in your career. If you enjoy solving problems and making things work, you might like being a software engineer. If you prefer writing code and building apps, being a software developer could be a better fit. Both jobs are important in tech, so choose the one that matches what you’re good at and what you like to do.

The Bottom Line

When they’re considering career options in tech, many people often wonder about the differences between SDE vs. SWE roles.

A software engineer thinks about how everything fits together and uses engineering ideas to design and build software.

On the other hand, a software developer mainly writes code and makes sure the software works properly.

Understanding the difference between a software engineer vs. developer can help you pick the right job and help companies know what they’re looking for. The bottom line is that both jobs are important for creating software that works well.