By DeVry University
May 13, 2023
7 min read
May 13, 2023
7 min read
Software engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the development of software. Software generally refers to the programs used by computers; technically, it is the collection of codes, documents and triggers that do a specific job and fulfill a specific set of requirements. The development of software employs the best practices, principles and methods of engineering and computer programming.
If you are curious about what is software engineering, put simply, software engineering is the application of engineering practices and principles to the field of software development.
Front-end developers deal with the aesthetics of software and what the users see and experience (aka the user interface or UI). The focus of front-end development is to design user-friendly software that engages people.
Back-end developers focus on the server-side of software development, writing and maintaining essential source code so that the server and application or system continue to communicate.
Full-stack developers are skilled in both front-end and back-end development.
Software engineers apply the principles of engineering to every stage of the software development process. Just as a civil engineer is responsible for the safety and security of a bridge, for example, a software engineer must be accountable for delivering sound, functioning software.
Applications engineers – This type of engineer creates or adapts applications or programs for businesses and organizations. They analyze the end user’s need then design, build, install and maintain the application as appropriate.
Systems engineers – This type of engineer coordinates the creation, maintenance and growth of computer systems made for businesses. They collaborate with each department to identify its needs, provide technical recommendations and direction and set up networks that connect computers throughout the company.
There are a few different levels of software engineering:
Operational software engineering – Operational engineering focuses on how software interacts with the system in terms of its usability, functionality, dependability and security.
Transitional software engineering – This type of software engineering focuses on how changes in environment impact a system or developed application. This is usually done with scalability and/or flexibility in mind.
Software engineering maintenance – This type of software engineering is recurrent and focuses on how changes to the software or application function in concert with its existing environment.
There are many types of software that software engineers could end up developing in their careers, with more being added all the time.
Here are a just a few examples of the types of software being developed today:
Operating systems
Computer games
Middleware
Business applications
Network control systems
Choose a career in the software engineering field and a specialization.
Learn about software engineering by attending boot camps, studying independently or enrolling in a college certificate, associate or bachelor’s degree program.
Practice, practice, practice! Develop and refine your skills and begin to build a portfolio.
Look for internship opportunities.
Prepare for and begin your job search!
Education is essential for this field, and a program such as our Undergraduate Certificate in Software Design and Solutions can help quickly lay the foundation you need. In the future, if you choose to continue your studies at DeVry, the courses you take as part of this certificate program can be applied toward the requirements of a degree program such as our Bachelor’s Degree in Software Development,1 which can help you prepare to pursue your goals.
Knowledge of programming languages: Python, JavaScript and C or C++ must be in the software engineer’s skills set, as these are commonly used programming languages in software development.
Core computer knowledge: Software engineers should have a grasp of operating systems, database systems, networking and other basic computer concepts. Familiarity with a variety of operating systems such as Linux, and database management systems like SQL, is also required of most software engineers.
Cloud computing: Due to current demand for cloud developers and engineers, software engineers should be familiar with the principles of cloud computing.
Problem solving: Because software engineers spend a good portion of their time troubleshooting and looking for bugs and coding problems, highly sharpened problem-solving skills are essential.
Communication: Software engineers must be able to communicate effectively with team members and stakeholders to explain the scope and various aspects of their projects. In some instances, their communication skills are put to work making technical issues understandable for non-technical audiences.
Project management: Keeping track of the complexities of multiple projects requires excellent project management skills, which should include proficiency in the Scrum and Agile methodologies. Attention to detail is also an essential skill in this area, as it is interrelated with both problem solving and project management.
Software application developer
Mobile device programmer
Software programmer and analyst
Mobile app developer
Time constraints: Development timelines are often influenced by factors that are beyond engineers’ control and time limitations can hamper their efforts to deliver a high-quality software product.
Changing project requirements: Changes made during the development process can present difficulties and negatively impact project results and timelines. Software engineers are often required to have the agility to adapt to these shifting requirements.
Rapidly changing technology: Software engineers have to continually upgrade their skills to keep pace with the rapid and unrelenting introduction of new technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. In a highly competitive environment they are pressured to develop new applications that reflect and capitalize on these trends.
Privacy regulations: Compliance with data privacy regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) can present challenges by restricting how software engineers can use data.
Get started on the road toward your career in software engineering today!
1At the time of application to the next credential level, an evaluation of qualifying transfer credit will occur and the most beneficial outcome will be applied.
2 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm
Filter Blog Post Category
By Degree Level
Business
Healthcare
Technology
Tuition & Expenses
Degrees & Programs
Tuition & Financial Aid
Admissions
Student Experience
In New York, DeVry University operates as DeVry College of New York. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org. The University’s Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. DeVry is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Arlington Campus: 1400 Crystal Dr., Ste. 120, Arlington, VA 22202. DeVry University is authorized for operation as a postsecondary educational institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, www.tn.gov/thec. Lisle Campus: 4225 Naperville Rd, Suite 400, Lisle, IL 60532. Unresolved complaints may be reported to the Illinois Board of Higher Education through the online complaint system https://complaints.ibhe.org/. View DeVry University’s complaint process https://www.devry.edu/compliance/student-complaint-procedure.html Program availability varies by location. In site-based programs, students will be required to take a substantial amount of coursework online to complete their program.
© DeVry Educational Development Corp. All rights reserved.