The Differences Between Software Development and Software
Engineering
Software development and software engineering go hand in hand
when it comes to the implementation of software. Software
development deals more with the creation of the software and
when this is complete, software engineering takes over with the
creation of software systems. Both of these disciplines are at
times interchangeable and without much difference to the layman.
If you just want to have one specific piece of software
designed, such as database software that will keep track of your
bird watching hobby, then you'll just need software development.
If, however, you want your bird watching database to be able to
support multiple functions, such as delivering a report with
statistics and results, then you'll more likely need the
expertise of software engineering.
Software engineers will implement and design software
applications through the use of many mediums. These software
applications will then be used for a variety of purposes that
include business practices to entertainment purposes. It is
these software applications that allow users to make their time
on the computer as functional and productive as possible. Types
of software applications include language applications, office
applications, entertainment packages, and applications for
education.
The cost of hiring a software developer will be significantly
less than hiring a software engineer. Before you make your final
decision about what you want the software to do you need to plan
you budget, your timeline, and determine what you want the end
result to be. The industry of software development continues to
grow each year as more and more businesses are having their own
software developed for them that is specific to what they do and
what they want the software to do. Most companies will already
be using some type of software application, such as Office
Suite, and most likely won't need another application developed
for them. For most intents and purposes you'll be fine hiring a
software developer for you and your business needs.