I little bit ago I wrote an article on that topic, here are my two words (would love to reignite the discussion) [...] The definition of Engineering as Wikiped

I little bit ago I wrote an article on that topic, here are my two words (would love to reignite the discussion) [...] The definition of Engineering as Wikipedia defines it: Engineering is the application of scientific, economic, social, and practical knowledge in order to invent, design, build, maintain, research, and improve structures, machines, devices, systems, materials, and processes. So based on these words the case is quite clear. Software development is engineering. We apply practical knowledge to invent, build, maintain, research, improve structures, machines, devices systems and processes. Our software applications. The definition of Art as Wikipedia defines it: Art is a diverse range of human activities and the products of those activities, usually involving imaginative or technical skill. In their most general form, these activities include the production of works of art, the criticism of art, the study of the history of art, and the aesthetic dissemination of art. [..] Architecture is often included as one of the visual arts; however, like the decorative arts, it involves the creation of objects where the practical considerations of use are essential So again, we could say Software development is a product of an activity involving imaginative AND technical skills where the practical considerations of use are essential. Is software development part of the decorative/visual arts? In terms of art and by drawing the parallel to Architecture we could assume that a software developer has enough freedom to choose from a variety of foundations, building blocks. Developers influence the "Gestalt" of the final product and no two systems will look the same. Software development can be considered a unique form of art with intricate nuances that follow simple concepts we find in engineering. [...] The full article is at: http://www.artofsoftwaredevelopment.com/art-or-engineering/is-it-art-or-engineering http://www.artofsoftwaredevelopment.com/art-or-engineering/i... (I'm not sure if posting the link is appropriate, please let me know and I'll take it out.)