In software development, there are many different terms used to describe the role of the developer. These include web developer, software developer, full-stack developer, computer programmer, and software engineer. There are also different terms used for software development, including software engineering, and even DevOps and computer science. Let’s explore some of the differences and similarities:
Web developer vs software developer
Both the web developer and software dev role involve writing code, designing applications, and using different programming languages. The primary difference between a web developer vs software developer concerns with the type of programs that they create and support. Web developers are primarily concerned with websites and web applications that run on internet browsers, whilst developers can work on any type of software development, but mostly focus on applications that run on desktops, mobile devices, and servers.
Web developer vs software engineer
As above, a web developer primarily works on software development for websites and web applications that operate on internet browsers. A software engineer is literally someone who ‘engineers’ or builds software. This can be for any form of software development, including websites. The main difference in terms is that a software engineer is a developer who applies the principles and rigor of an engineering discipline to the design, development, maintenance, testing, and evaluation of computer software. So the principle difference between web developer vs software engineer is that a web developer really only does software developments related to websites.
Software engineering vs software development
Software development is a general term that is applied to developing any form or type of computer software that is created by a developer, which is another general term. So when considering software engineering vs software development, or developer vs software engineer, you need to understand what software engineering is. The simple definition is that software engineering is a form of engineering, requiring a certain level of academic training, professional discipline, and adherence to formal processes. This is the main difference between software engineering vs software development and hence developer vs software engineer.
Computer programmer vs software developer
Both of these terms relate to someone that creates computer programs as part of software development. The main difference between computer programmer vs software developer is that the role of a computer programmer tends to be restricted to purely the creation of code, whereas a software developer is involved in other stages of the software development as well, including requirements definition, testing, and deployment. The term computer programmer has been around since the inception of software development, and many of those outside IT don’t realize that there is a difference between computer programmer vs developer.
Full stack developer vs software engineer
The term ‘full stack developer’ defines a developer that develops both user-facing software and server software, including database development and application interfaces, as part of software development. If this is done using engineering rigor, then the full stack developer vs software engineer would be the same thing.
Computer science vs software development
Computer science is a formal discipline that studies the theory of computation and managing information. Hence the main difference between computer science vs software development is that software development applies the theory developed by computer science for the development of computer software.
Difference between DevOps and software developer
DevOps is a relatively new set of practices that cover both software development and IT operations. Hence the difference between DevOps and developer is that a developer is only concerned with the development of the software.
Mac vs PC for software development:
Both Macs and PCs can be used for developing software; the choice depends on what you have experience with and what the company policy is. Deciding on Mc vs PC for software development can also depend on the target device for the developed software.
