Software Development Vs Software Engineering
Software is a series of code and instructions that tell a specific computer how to perform a certain task. This is unlike in physical hardware where the machine is constructed and actually just does the actual work. This software is used for many different reasons and can be integrated into a number of different programs. These programs are used to give machines a humanlike ability to navigate through their environment and accomplish tasks within the shortest possible time.
When it comes to hardware, there are a number of different options that a user may need to consider. There are a variety of different hardware options that may be installed onto a computer such as a printer. In some cases a user may need to install specific system software that allows the printer to read the files that it needs from a particular directory. Other times the system software may work with a driver that is installed within the computer itself.
These two different types of software engineers exist within the industry and are responsible for many different types of jobs. The tasks that these two types perform may vary but most often they will be involved in the creation of both source code and object code. The source code that allows machines to run is created by the software engineers and is the part of any program that a user will install.
On the other hand, software engineering works directly with the end user. This means that the person who installs the program or runs the program is ultimately the one who is responsible for ensuring that it is successful. In this type of role, these people will take the source code that is created by the software engineers and translate it into a language that is readable by computers. This translated language is then sent to a group of different types of testers for them to ensure that the program is working properly before it is sent for distribution to the masses. Software engineering can also be involved in the testing phase of the software development process where it ensures that a new program is functional as well as possible before it is released to the public.
Once a program is complete, software engineers will then create a test case. This is essentially a series of tests and experiments that verify that the new program will work correctly within its environment. For each test that is performed, the software engineers will create a series of documentation about their test case and its purpose. Software engineering is directly involved in testing because they are essentially the ones who will be using these tools to ensure that the new programs function properly. When the program has been tested successfully, the engineers will submit their final documents to their client. From there, it is up to the client to go out and sell their new product or service.
Software engineering is not just limited to creating program code, either. There are many different types of systems software engineering that exist and each type performs similar tasks. From creating application software, to operating systems, to database servers, there are two main types that everyone is likely to come into contact with at some point: system software engineers and system software developers. Although these two main types have very different skill sets, both need to have strong communication skills so that they can effectively contribute to their respective field.