WHAT IS A SOFTWARE ENGINEER?
The questions listed here have been answered about 4.5 years ago. However, each year is different, and the experience and skill requirements for software engineers are gradually changing. Especially with the strong emergence and development of AI, Software Engineering is still projected to be a hot profession for the next 10 years.
1. What is a Software Engineer?
According to a fairly common and widely used definition, Software Engineers are professionals in the field of computer science, responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining software applications and systems. They combine engineering principles and programming knowledge to create technological solutions for both individual users and businesses. Note that if you use the title Software Engineer, you should have a reasonable understanding of the different stages of software development:
- Design
- Development – Usually, people already have experience here.
- Testing
- Maintenance
Clearly, Software Engineering is a job that requires a high level of expertise. However, job opportunities and benefits for this profession are also correspondingly high.
2. What Jobs are Included in Software Engineering?
Due to the complexity and high level of expertise required in the field of Software Engineering, there are many different positions within it. Usually, engineers will start out as Web Developers or Mobile Developers.
Throughout their careers, engineers will be exposed to many other positions, thereby learning about other tasks and specialties needed in the software development process.
For example, Systems Developers are initially responsible for creating operating systems for organizations, businesses, or communities. These operating systems could be for computers, mobile applications, or other complex systems.
The list of positions that stem from the role of Software Engineer includes:
- Applications Architect
- Applications Developer
- Computer Applications Engineer
- Database Administrator
- Mobile Developer
- Program Manager
- Programmer
- Project Leader
- Quality Assurance Analyst
- Software Engineer
- Software Quality Engineer
- Systems Analyst
- Systems Developer
3. Daily Tasks of a Software Engineer
In answering the question "What is a Software Engineer?", it's essential to know their daily tasks. It's not just about fixing bugs or writing code. In addition to using their knowledge, programming languages, and experience to develop software, engineers may also operate and maintain systems developed by other engineers. Typical daily tasks for a Software Engineer include:
- Designing and maintaining software systems or applications
- Evaluating and testing new software programs
- Optimizing software for speed and scalability
- Writing and testing code
- Ensuring platform compatibility
- Creating and enforcing IT standards within existing infrastructure
- Maintaining documentation of IT systems
- Releasing software updates and writing release notes
- Collaborating with development teams, senior systems architects, and data science professionals
- Consulting with clients, engineers, security specialists, and other stakeholders
- Recommending software upgrades for existing programs and systems
- Presenting new features to stakeholders and internal customers
4. Skills Required for a Software Engineer
Now that the tasks are known, what skills are required for a Software Engineer? Skills for a Software Engineer are divided into two categories: hard skills related to the profession and soft skills related to work ethic and other factors. Firstly, the hard skills required include:
- Coding languages like Python, Java, C, C++, or Scala
- Object-oriented programming
- Database architecture
- Agile and Scrum project management
- Knowledge of operating systems
- Cloud computing
- Version control
- Design testing and debugging
Software engineering is a promising career choice, especially as information technology becomes increasingly important in modern life. However, to succeed in this field, not only technical skills are required, but flexibility and continuous learning are also essential.
