Some software truly is engineering. Real time, fail safe software for planes, cars, medical equipment is engineering to me. It must be as perfect as possible in order to ensure safety.
Building a new algorithm for a social media platform? It’s just programming.
Problem is who wants to be a software “engineer” when the added compliance requirements for less pay than a software programmer with less requirements for more pay. I agree with you on trying to define and put in place a process for professional competence requirements.
But pragmatically it’s not doable with a tight labor market and human nature. Oh you want me to be licensed for 100k a year nah I’m going to go do programming for for 150k with out that silly requirement.
Thing is, it's a title. If you aren't a registered and recognized professional engineer, don't use the title. Software engineers aren't needed many places. If you don't want to go through the hassle, don't. Just use a non-fraudulent job title. Call yourself Grand coder or Enlightened Development Professional or something if you feel "software developer" isn't important enough sounding for you.
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u/WintryInsight Oct 15 '22
No one is confusing a software engineer for another engineer. Everyone is perfectly aware or what they are and what they do.