When a computer does its amazing magic and executes the exact actions you expect, you should be thanking a software engineer. From business operating systems to network control to computer games to banking solutions and a vast host of working platforms, our lives are made easier, faster, and more efficient because of the creative use of computer science by software engineers.
Software engineers apply engineering principles and knowledge of programming languages to build software solutions for end users – that’s us on our computers communicating, data-capturing, designing, accounting – and a whole number of things. In a nutshell, they make life better. And helping us to live better, interact more efficiently, and achieve more, is their purpose. They design, develop, test, and maintain applications that are key to a more fulfilling experience of life.
A look at software history
As far back as 1963, Margaret Hamilton coined the term software engineering while working on developing the software for the Apollo spacecraft. At this time, software development faced a crisis in trying to keep up with the progress in hardware development. This period led to the rise of software engineering through the introduction of new programs and languages.
In 1968 and 1969, the NATO Software Engineering Conference took place, giving the software engineering industry a much-needed boost. By the 1980s, software engineering secured its place alongside the computer science and traditional engineering professions.
Initially, software engineering was introduced to address the issues of low-quality software projects. Problems arise when a software generally exceeds timelines, budgets, and reduced levels of quality. The purpose of software engineering grew to ensure that applications are built consistently, correctly, on time and on budget and within requirements. The demand for software engineering was also driven by the immense rate of change in user requirements and the type of environments in which applications are expected to work.
Software Engineers usually fall into two categories: Systems Developers or Application Developers.
A systems developer (sometimes called a backend engineer) will collaborate with development teams, senior systems architects, and data science professionals in order to focus on building computer systems and networks while: ensuring different types of software programs communicate with each other on one platform; creating and enforcing IT standards within an infrastructure; maintaining documentation of IT systems; and updating to new technologies as needed.
An application developer is more client-focused, designing software that the end user will interact with such as: developing applications for iOS, Android, Windows, or other operating systems; conducting an analysis of requirements and tweaking software as needed; releasing software updates; working with graphic designers, customer service staff, and project managers.
A broad look at software engineering duties
- Software engineers develop programs and operating systems for computers. They work with system programmers, analysts, and other engineers to design systems, project capabilities, and to determine performance interfaces.
- Software engineers also analyse user needs, provide consultation services to discuss design elements, and co-ordinate software installations. Designing software systems requires engineers to consider mathematical models and scientific analysis to anticipate outcomes.Software engineers can find employment in almost any industry since most companies use software. As companies develop and experience ever-greater and more complex software needs, they need software engineers to create new programming applications and tools.
Day-to-day tasks might include:
- designing and maintaining software systems
- evaluating and testing new software programs
- optimising software for speed and scalability
- writing and testing code
- consulting with clients, engineers, security specialists, and other stakeholders.
Needs and knowledge
- a Computer Science degree
- programming languages such as Python, C++, and Java
- database management systems such as SQL and various operating systems, including Linux
- a capable maths mind and strong analytical skills
- a thorough understanding of coding, data structures and algorithms
- good communication skills, problem-solving abilities, team spirit, multi-tasking capability, attention to detail, and good organisational skills.
Get in Outsource Engineers to handle your project
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OutEng is setting new trends and standards in an agile, trust-based business style that is taking the engineering environment by storm. Across a multitude of cost-effective engineering and project services, you can expect:
- solid expertise and experience
- a unique combination of design, project management and engineering capability
- well-informed professionals who are up to date with the latest research.
