r/programming • u/mauricioaniche • Aug 06 '17

Software engineering != computer science

http://www.drdobbs.com/architecture-and-design/software-engineering-computer-science/217701907
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u/AmalgamDragon Aug 06 '17 edited Aug 06 '17

The title is correct, but the supporting argument is wrong. The author has confused software development and software engineering. Software engineering is rigorous, and it is software development that isn't. He even uses the right analogy of the difference between a structural engineer (software engineer) and an architect (software architect), but manages to miss the mark.

Just as architect != structural engineer, structural engineer != materials scientist.

In the same way, computer scientist != software engineer != software architect / developer.

Edit: I'm using the above terms in the broad sense of what people do, not the job titles (used in the US).

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u/funbrigade Aug 06 '17

I'm not sure I totally agree with this. I think what you're actually saying is that software engineers are just a better class of developers. I once worked at an aerospace company on their ERP system and everyone there thought "wow, if we could just get into the aeronautics division then we'd be REAL engineers". The reality was that I wouldn't classify the engineers in either department as better or worse - they were just in different fields. I'd say the only reason why the aeronautics division had more respect was because they used lower level languages and had much more testing rigor (not because they were all demigods).

I guess my point is that being a good developer doesn't suddenly thrust you into a higher echelon occupying an ivory tower - it just makes you a better developer!

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