What is Software Engineering?

Software Engineering is a branch of computer science which deals with development and building of computer software and applications. To learn software engineering you have to pursue a career in Computer Science. There are several degree programmes like B.Tech in Computer Science, B.Sc. ,B.C.A and M.C.A .Along with this several short term courses are also available in various institutions like IIT's and NIT's. Anyone can learn software engineering through various online courses from different Platforms like Udemy, Upgrade and the most common is YouTube (Self-Paced Learning). 

Facts about Software Engineers

  • Anyone who has a degree in Computer Science and has a good understanding of programming can be a software engineer.
  • Software Engineer's work includes design, development, testing and evaluation of the software. He takes the requirement from the customer and build the software as per the requirement.
  • Software Engineers works for an IT Company mainly but several organizations who require software also hires a software engineer They can also get a freelancing job and can also open their own IT Company.  Software Developers are responsible for Application Development, Software Maintenance, testing etc.
  • In India, Bangalore is known as IT Hub as it has maximum number of IT Companies. Several other cities like Noida, Pune and Gurgaon has a large number of IT Companies.

Programming Languages used by Software Engineers

There are so many programming languages used by software engineers but following are in demand:

  • Java
  • Python (High level programming language)
  • C/C++
  • Java script

Ethics of Software Engineers

Following are the ethics of software engineering:

  • PUBLIC – Software engineers shall act consistently with the public interest. 
  • CLIENT AND EMPLOYER – Software engineers shall act in a manner that is in the best interests of their client and employer, consistent with the public interest.

Software Engineering Process

This Process consists of activities for managing the creation of software, including requirement collection, analysis, design, coding, testing, and maintenance. Software engineering methods are just different ways of approaching software development and delivery.

Soft Skills of Software Engineering Includes

  • 1. Communication. 
  • 2.Empathy. 
  • 3.Patience. 
  • 4.Open-mindedness and adaptability. 
  • 5.Critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. 
  • 6.Accountability, humility, and humbleness. 
  • 7.Confidence. 
  • 8.Management

Difference between Software Developer and Computer Programmer

Computer programmers write code to create software programs. They turn the program designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow." "Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs.

Difference between Software Engineering and Hardware Engineering

Computer hardware engineers research, develop and test hardware or computer equipment, components. Computer software engineers design, develop, test software, maintains computer network and programs.

Difference between Software Engineering and Computer Science

The main difference between software engineering and computer science is that software engineering focuses on the software, whereas computer science focuses on the hardware. Software engineers mainly deal with the application of engineering processes. They focus on programming and algorithms.

Tools used by Software Engineers are

  • Git hub
  • Git Lab
  • IntelliJ IDEA
  • Stack Over Flow
  • Docker
  • Jira
  • Jenkins
  • Confluence
  • Feely
  • Slack

Process Models in Software Engineering

Software Engineering has various process models:

  • Waterfall Model.
  • V Model. 
  • Incremental Model.
  • RAD Model.
  • Agile Model.
  • Iterative Model.
  • Spiral Model.
  • Prototype Model

Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and its Stages 

  • SDLC stands for SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT LIFE CYCLE.
  • Following are the stages of SDLC :
  • 1.Planning
  • 2.Creating
  • 3.Developing
  • 4.Testing
  • 5.Deploying

Object Oriented Programming (OOP’s) in Software Engineering

It is a programming model which is based on the concept of classes and objects. It is used to construct a program in simple and reusable piece of code. It is used to break software into small pieces that we can solve one at a time.

There are four basic types of OOP's:

  • Encapsulation
  •  Abstraction
  •  Inheritance
  •  Polymorphism.

Data Structure and its Uses by Software Developers

It is a way of organizing data in a computer so that it can be used effectively. For example, we can store a list of items having the same data-type using the array data structure. 

Following are the different types of data structure:

  • Arrays
  • Binary
  • Tree
  • Acyclic 

The data structure and algorithm provide a set of techniques to the programmer for handling the data efficiently. A minimal effort is needed to write code in any programming language. It will take a huge amount of time to correct the problem if the programmer is unaware of the algorithm of the problem.

Levels of Software Developers

  • A software developer’s career has basically three levels: junior (entry level), middle, and senior. The industry uses this terminology to better understand and assign a degree of qualification, as well as determine both salary level and responsibilities.
  • A candidate with 1-4 years of experience as a software developer receives an annual salary of INR 5-6 lacs 
  • A 5-9-year midcareer software engineer receives an overall amount of INR 8-15 lacs.
  • Being a profession high in demand they get a chance to learn everyday .They are able to work remotely as well as they are paid well in comparison to other industries.

Non-Technical Skills required by a Software Developer

The following non-technical skills are highly required:

1. Ability to Communicate

2.Categorize the task according to priority

3. Analysis of Customer Requirements

4.Work Should be Systematized

5.Uniqueness and Creativity

6. Ability to Provide Insights

7.Willingness to Explore and Think Out of The Box

8.Open to Learning and Staying Updated About New Technologies

Career Options after Learning Software Engineering are

Following are the career option available after learning Software Engineering.

  • Data Scientist.
  • Cybersecurity Engineer.
  • Machine Learning Engineer.
  • Full Stack Developer.
  • Python Developer.
  • Java Developer.
  • Cloud Engineer.
  • Scrum Master.
  • Software Testing
  • Back end Developer
  • Front End Developer (also known as Software Developers)

Best Countries to Study Software Engineering are

  • Switzerland
  • Canada
  • Australia
  • Netherlands
  • German
  • USA
  • Sweden
  • Denmark
  • Singapore
  • United Kingdom

Context and Applications

This topic is significant in the professional exams for both undergraduate and graduate courses, especially for

  • Bachelor in Computer Science
  • Masters in Computer Science
  • Bachelor of Computer Application
  • Masters of Computer Application
  • Bachelor of technology in Computer Science and engineering
  • Masters of technology in Computer Science and engineering

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