3 ms·
The question is tricky, since "software engineer" does not have a universally agreed on definition. Regardless, the profession is not regulated in the same way
by ggchappell 14y ago
The question is tricky, since "software engineer" does not have a universally agreed on definition. Regardless, the profession is not regulated in the same way that other things called "engineering" are, so (in the U.S., anyway) it is legal to call yourself a "software engineer". Of course, whether you have the relevant skills & knowledge is another matter.
In my experience, "programmer" refers to the relatively low-level aspects of software production/maintenance. Someone who deals with relatively high-level aspects is either a "software architect" or a "software engineer". S.A. is oriented toward the high-level aspects of the software itself: overall design, choice of platform, technical standards, etc. S.E. is more concerned with things like gathering and managing requirements, ensuring conformity of documentation and code, project management, etc.
So, obviously you have some S.E. experience, but I would have a hard time calling someone a "software engineer" if they had no experience with software projects involving more than one person.
- RougeFemme 14y agoI think that in the US, you can call yourself any kind of engineer, even civil, architectural, electrical, etc. That's not illegal. But regulations prevent you from calling a licensed professional engineer unless you have actually passed the licensing exams.
- RougeFemme 14y agoI think that in the US, you can call yourself any kind of engineer, even civil, architectural, electrical, etc. That's not illegal. But regulations prevent you from calling a licensed professional engineer unless you have actually passed the licensing exams.