Engineering disciplines are characterized by extensive standardized formal study, conformance to best practices, and regulation. Actually, this is only true in

Engineering disciplines are characterized by extensive standardized formal study, conformance to best practices, and regulation. Actually, this is only true in programming pop culture. In reality, different engineering disciplines vary widely in the degree to which these features are present. In my opinion, none of those listed are even especially central or important. (And as a result, I'd argue[1] that software development, as currently practiced, fits quite comfortably in the broader stable of engineering disciplines.) [1] http://www.zerobanana.com/essays/reclaiming-software-engineering/ http://www.zerobanana.com/essays/reclaiming-software-enginee...