The two aren't mutually excusive. What I mean is, you can develop a preference for doing a software engineering task according to a best practice. Getting int

The two aren't mutually excusive. What I mean is, you can develop a preference for doing a software engineering task according to a best practice. Getting into the habit of using one or more time-tested practice(s) will only benefit you over time. But, more fundamentally, what the author could have responded to their friend is: "Yes, we do have a code of ethics and professional practice standards[0]. We do have well-researched best practices and a rich standardized body of knowledge we can use[2]. We do have formally adopted standards through IEEE, ISO and IEC[1]." I do get the sentiment behind the question though and personally wish we were more formally trained and held more rigorously to a professional set of standards. It does diminish the term "Software Engineer" as a engineering field when we use the title so loosely but (on some level) expect the same level of respect, pay and status as other engineers. [0] https://ethics.acm.org/code-of-ethics/software-engineering-code/ https://ethics.acm.org/code-of-ethics/software-engineering-c... [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO/IEC_JTC_1/SC_7 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO/IEC_JTC_1/SC_7 [2] https://www.computer.org/education/bodies-of-knowledge/software-engineering https://www.computer.org/education/bodies-of-knowledge/softw...