“Software developer” and “software engineer” are commonly used terms in the software engineering industry. But is there a difference between a software developer vs. a software engineer, and if so, what is it? While some companies and professionals use the terms interchangeably, there are distinctions between each role’s focus.
Both software developers and software engineers focus on creating software, but software developers are more focused on particular parts of a system, while software engineers are responsible for the whole system.
This difference in scope leads to variations in these career paths — from the education and skills you need to the type of work environment you might find yourself in. So, what are all the differences between a software developer vs. software engineer? And how do you know which one is right for you?
What Is a Software Developer?
A software developer designs, codes, tests, and maintains applications or systems that solve real-world problems and meet users’ needs. They work across various industries and types of applications, creating everything from mobile apps and websites to database-driven applications.
Typically, developers focus on writing code and building programs. They also can be involved in the planning stages of projects, collaborating with other team members to understand software requirements and map out the best approach.
Education and Certification
To become a software developer, most people earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field.
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Yet while a degree is the most common path, it’s not the only route — many developers succeed through coding bootcamps or self-study. Some employers look for additional certifications in specific programming languages or platforms, such as Microsoft’s Azure Developer certification or certifications in technologies like AWS or specific languages like Java. However, certifications are often seen as a bonus rather than a necessity.
Skills
Successful software developers are proficient in programming languages like Java, Python, C++, and JavaScript.
Knowledge of databases, frameworks, and software development methodologies, such as Agile or Scrum, is essential.
Beyond technical skills, software developers benefit from strong problem-solving abilities, a detail-oriented mindset, and logical thinking. Communication skills are crucial, as developers frequently work with project managers, designers, and other stakeholders.
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Career Path
Software developers typically start in entry-level roles as junior developers, where they work on coding assignments under the guidance of more experienced team members.
Developers often have the option to move into either technical or leadership roles as they advance. Technical paths may lead to positions like software architect, while those interested in management may pursue roles as a development team lead, engineering manager, or even chief technical officer (CTO). However, career growth in development often emphasizes technical depth and specialization rather than broad system-level responsibilities.
What Is a Software Engineer?
A software engineer designs, develops, and optimizes software systems at a large scale, focusing on engineering principles and complex system architecture. While a software developer might concentrate on creating a specific application, a software engineer works at a broader level, ensuring systems are scalable, efficient, and integrated effectively.
Software engineers are involved in planning and strategizing large projects, collaborating with other engineers and teams to build software that meets both functional requirements and system-wide needs.
Education and Certification
Most software engineers hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field, with some pursuing a master’s degree in areas like machine learning or systems architecture.
Professional certifications can enhance credibility, especially in specific fields; popular options include Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP) or certifications in platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, or in programming languages relevant to engineering. Although certifications aren’t always required, they can be beneficial for career advancement in specialized technical fields.
Skills
Software engineers are proficient in multiple programming languages (e.g., Java, C++, Python) and are adept at using development frameworks and version control tools. In addition to coding, they possess strong skills in system design, data structures, and algorithms.
Software engineers also need a solid grasp of computer science fundamentals, including network protocols, operating systems, and software testing.
Soft skills like communication, collaboration, and problem-solving are vital, as they often work in cross-functional teams to ensure project alignment and efficiency. People who thrive in this role are typically detail-oriented, systematic, and enjoy working on complex, multi-layered problems.
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Career Path
Software engineers typically begin in entry-level positions as junior engineers, gaining experience in coding, system design, and project development. As they advance, they may move into senior software engineer roles, focusing on system architecture and leading significant aspects of projects.
Software engineers often have two primary career paths: technical specialization or leadership. On the technical side, they may progress to become principal engineers, software architects, or distinguished engineers, taking on highly specialized roles and large-scale technical challenges. For those interested in management, career options include engineering manager, VP of Engineering, or eventually CTO.
Software engineering roles tend to offer more pathways into senior leadership roles compared to developer positions, particularly in large companies where engineers are tasked with overseeing system-wide projects.
Key Differences Between Software Developer vs. Software Engineer
Both software developers and software engineers work on developing software. However, software developers often focus on one part of software development, while software engineers focus on the big picture. In simple terms, software development is a part of software engineering.
“Software engineering refers to the larger scale design, development and testing of an entire system and software, whereas software development has more of a specific focus on a particular system or software,” says Arun Godwin Patel, director of Halo Technology Lab, CTO and co-founder of Audico, and Forage program consultant.
While each role focuses on software and may require similar skills, the day-to-day work can look slightly different.
“Software developers are mainly focused on writing efficient, scalable and maintainable code, building and maintaining database systems, integrating APIs, etc.,” Bruno Krnetic, back-end team lead at Async Labs, says. “Software engineers are responsible for the overall architecture of the software system. They collaborate more with cross-functional teams and spend more (if not all the time) planning and designing new features, and studying new industry trends and best practices. The main goal is to deliver the best product possible, according to specific business requirements.”
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Software Engineer vs. Software Developer Summary
| Software Engineer | Software Developer | |
|---|---|---|
| What They Do | Plan, design, develop, and build an entire software or computer system. | Develop a specific software or computer system. |
| Skills and Education Requirements | —Programming languages: extensive knowledge of common front-end and back-end languages —Software debugging —Creation of software tools —Knowledge of software architecture —Collaboration skills | —Programming languages: competency in common front-end and back-end languages —Code testing —Using software tools to develop applications |
| Career Path | Starts in an entry-level engineer role such as engineer I or junior engineer. Moves up the career path into lead software engineering roles that often require leadership and mentorship of more junior engineers. | Can start in an entry-level developer, QA, or tester role. Moves up in the career path into lead developer or technical architect role. While more advanced roles in this career path are managerial, they are often less collaborative than software engineering roles. |
| Average Salary* | About $161,000 according to Glassdoor | About $132,000 according to Glassdoor |
| Work Culture | Works in a highly collaborative environment with other engineers. Often also collaborates with external teams like product and design. | Works more independently, sometimes collaborating with other developers and engineers. |
*In general, software engineers earn more than software developers. However, salary differences for software developers vs. software engineers can be challenging to quantify as many sources use the terms interchangeably. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics groups data for software developers and engineers under one category: Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers. Further, salaries can vary greatly depending on location, company size and type, and industry.
Are “Software Engineer” and “Software Developer” Used Interchangeably?
The short answer is yes. These terms can be and are used interchangeably, even though there can be differences in each role’s scope! However, the job title depends on the company and the specific software engineer team you’re working on.
So, how do you know if a company is using a term interchangeably or being specific? It’s best to go right to the source: first, view the job description to see the role’s responsibilities, and then, in the interview, ask the hiring manager themselves. In the interview, you can ask about the role’s day-to-day work, how the role fits into the team, and what the role’s objectives are to understand the specific position’s scope.
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Software Developer vs. Software Engineer: Which One Is Right for Me? Quiz
Now that you know more about both of these roles, which one best matches your skills, career goals, personality type, and more? Take the quiz! You’ll need to sign up to get your results, but it’s absolutely free.
The Bottom Line
Software developers and software engineers work on developing software, but they differ in scope. Software developers focus on one part of a computer system or application, while software engineers are responsible for the big picture.
Despite these distinctions, some companies and teams use the terms interchangeably. To uncover the role’s scope, you’ll need to dig into the role’s responsibilities, objectives, and functions within the engineering team. Develop common software engineering (and software development) skills with Forage’s tech virtual experience programs.
FAQs
Yes, a software developer can become a software engineer, typically if they’d like to step into a more strategic and collaborative role. Software engineers typically need a bachelor’s or master’s degree, while a software developer might have technical training or an associate’s degree.
While both positions require technical skills, it may be harder to be a software engineer as the scope of the role is bigger. Software engineers are responsible for entire programs instead of specific applications and often have more advanced technical skills.
Software engineers typically have bachelor’s or master’s degrees, while software developers typically don’t need an advanced degree.
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