What is the difference between a Software Engineer and a Programmer?

A comprehensive analysis of software engineers and programmers

Despite the low tech unemployment rate of 1.3%, recruiters are still having difficulty finding, hiring and retaining strong candidates. The key to bringing in the right employees is knowing who you are looking for from the start.

The demand for software engineers is increasing, but the role is often confused with programmer and developer positions. While it is ultimately up to the employer's discretion how to title open roles, tech recruiters should understand some of the commonly discussed differences.

This article distinguishes software engineers from programmers and highlights six key differences between these roles. Use this resource to recruit smarter and source better tech candidates.

What is a Software Engineer?
What is a Programmer?
What is the difference between a software engineer and programmer?

What is a Software Engineer?

Software engineers are often called developers, but there is a difference between the two professions. Engineers are formally trained to use their scientific and mathematical skills to solve problems.

An engineering background is necessary for the software engineer's role within the development life cycle. Software engineers are responsible for evaluating the needs of clients or companies and conceptualizing systematic solutions that take into account the needs of users. It is important for engineers to have a strong programming background so that they can communicate effectively with programmers.

By taking into account the needs of both the client and the user, software engineers can create a systematic solution.

Software engineers are also known as "software architects." This means that they create the guidelines - think: blueprints - of the software framework. The designs created by engineers are then given to programmers who translate the engineer’s directions into a form that the computer can read and understand, which is typically done through writing code.

Software engineers are often responsible for leading development teams and ensuring that best practices are followed in order to create stable systems. It is the responsibility of software engineers to test and maintain the software on a regular basis once the system is complete. Software engineers prioritize system quality and stability above all else.

What is a Programmer?

A programmer is responsible for developing the programs and software according to the software engineer's guidelines. They are sometimes referred to as "coders" or "developers" because their main focus is writing, evaluating and editing lines of code. Programmers are involved in one stage within the development life cycle and concentrate on one component at a time.

Because programmers must be able to write code, as well as identify and debug errors, they often specialize in only a few programming languages. Coding bootcamps have become increasingly popular, leading many programmers to be self-taught or have backgrounds in disciplines such as computer or information science. In the majority of cases, experience is more important than education when it comes to coding knowledge.

Programmers are only involved in one stage of the development process, and they focus on one component at a time.

Programmers typically work independently, creating the system one piece at a time. They must have excellent technical skills, including the ability to design and understand algorithms. A programmer is responsible for coding a software engineer's guidelines for a framework into existence.

What is the Difference Between a Software Engineer and Programmer?

As you are now aware of the different roles played during software development, let us take a look at six key differences between software engineers and programmers.

It is important to remember that, despite any differences, these titles are always at the discretion of the employer. You can hire a candidate who calls themselves a software engineer for your open programmer role, as long as you make the job requirements and responsibilities abundantly clear. To hire the most qualified candidate for a technical role, ensure that the candidate's persona and the job description are aligned.

EDUCATION:

Software engineer: A software engineer has training and a university degree in engineering.

Programmer: A programmer will often have a bachelor's degree in computer science, but some employers may hire an individual with an associate's degree and relevant experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Software Engineer: The software architect evaluates client/company needs alongside user needs to conceptualize a software system with the necessary requirements.

Programmer: A software contractor is a programmer who translates the software engineer's instructions into code that the computer can understand and follow.

ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT LIFECYCLE:

Software Engineer: A software engineer is responsible for the entire development life cycle, from initial design to maintenance.

Programmer: A programmer is responsible for one stage of the development life cycle.

DEVELOPMENTAL APPROACH:

Software Engineer: A software engineer who employs the scientific method and engineering best practices to generate solutions is analytical, takes a comprehensive approach to the system, and is interested in its stability and interdependence.

Programmer: A programmer develops individual components one at a time, considering each program's functionality and visual appearance.