It's not just software engineering, a mechanical engineer might develop a new kind of coffee machine. In engineering we are accustomed to getting involved earl

It's not just software engineering, a mechanical engineer might develop a new kind of coffee machine. In engineering we are accustomed to getting involved early in the creation process, and our usage of "develop" reflects this bias. Outside of that bubble, "develop" is very explicit that the thing already exists. For example, developing a musical theme, a muscle, or a country.