elnerdo

...What's the difference between all those job names?

Is there a difference?

Cyroxis

To me they all sound the same. But in some companys they may be different job positions.

Random

Programmer - one who writes code, and that is it

Software developer - one who writes code, takes care of graphics or GUI requirements, handles testing etc...

Software engineer - one who designs, composes specifications for, and plans tests for, software

elnerdo

Oh, thanks.

loquin

And, then, there are also systems analysts, who is a cross between software engineer and developer, and who works extensively with end users in the design stages of the project.

Plus, depending upon the company, you can have folks who wear several different hats.

reboot

And don't forget Programmer/Analyst

ewomack

The larger an application gets, the more likely you'll see these different titles. Some companies have an entire department full of "Software Engineers"; some of who specialize in coding, some in testing (and some even specialize in specific areas of testing: stress testing, system testing, automated testing, etc.), some in hardware, some in data management, etc. Software Engineers usually have advanced degrees specifically in Software Engineering or Computer Science (usually a Master's).

"Programmer" is a vague and general word, but in the work world it usually means someone who develops desktop software transaction-based systems and not much else. As said above, an "Analyst" usually has programming, project management, customer service, and knowledge of the Software Development Life Cycle. They wear many hats. The "programmer" - someone who sits in a cube or a cave all day and codes - is disappearing from corporations (but showing up in contract companies; as they are the easiest to outsource in many cases). The "Analyst" (specifically the "Business Analyst" position seems to be growing in the corporate world - basically, someone who can mediate between the company and the outsourced developers. Analysts usually have Bachelor's degrees or undregrad tech degrees (BS, BA).

That was long. Oh well. Hopefully it was somewhat helpful.

Rollman

Also, some companies seem to change titles from "Programmer" to Software engineer/developer because it sounds better than programmer...

deadGalaxy

basically, they are all the same to me.. be it programmer, software specialist, application developer, software developer, software engineer.. the title doesn't matter much, the main thing is the job scope, and it varies for different companies...

some may like to use programmer, some may like to use software engineer, and some may treat programmer as lower grade, software engineer as a higher grade with higher pay..