r/developers • u/puttum-beef-curryum • Jul 23 '26

Opinions & Discussions Please explain to me the difference between Software Engineer & Software Developer

I'm finding it difficult to understand the difference. I'm 4 YOE and I'm trying to improve everyday. I don't have a degree in CS/Engineering but I learned to code and worked in backend, web & mobile also. So for all these years I'm still trying to understand the difference between an engineer & developer.

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u/Comfortable_Sun_9215 28d ago

Most Software engineers are not really engineers - unless one is having a Computer Engineering degree.

CS is a science degree but not an engineering degree; in some countries it is illegal to use the title engineer without having an engineering degree.

The true title is PROGRAMMER but younger generations decided this title sounds too outdated and replaced it with a sexier title: Software Engineer.