The terms software
engineer or computer programmer may be confusing to the average computer user.
Most of us associate computer programs with the generic term 'Software'. To us
it may seem that the terms are interchangeable. That is not so. The role played
by a software engineer is significantly different from that of a computer
programmer. Before learning what the difference between a software engineer and
a computer programmer is, let us see what is meant by the term software
engineering and how it relates to computer programming.
Software engineering is
a rigorous approach to development, maintenance and testing of software. These
are engineers who must be knowledgeable about software requirements, design,
development, maintenance and testing. They must be well versed with the tools
and methods used for the development process as a whole. It is thus a
convergence of the fields of computer science and systems engineering with a
great deal of project management added for good measure. They are expected to
have technical skills in addition to managerial skills.
A computer programmer on
the other hand, is required to develop, test and maintain code that is to be
run on the computer. He is responsible for converting the specifications
provided in the software requirements definition phase into working code for
the computer. Computer programmers are involved with design and maintenance of
websites too. They should be proficient in analysis of programs. They are
required to collaborate with manufacturers in developing new methodologies for
software with evolution of hardware. Training, documentation and generation of
reports are also tasks that should be handled by a computer programmer.
We can observe that the
skill set required by a computer programmer is a subset of the skills expected
from a software engineer. The computer programmer is a specialist in some areas
covered by software engineering. A software engineer is in charge of the
overall software development process and is expected to improve the reliability
and maintainability of this complex process. A software engineer may have a
team of computer programmers working under his supervision.
Ms. Pinky is a Computer
Support Specialist for more than 25 years. Has a Bachelor of Science Degree in
Computer Engineering, MS Research work in Systems Engineering.
Get more free computer
tips on her blog at http://www.computerhelpdeskandsupport.com/
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