When learning to code or searching for your first job, you might encounter various job titles, such as software engineer vs web developer, leaving you puzzled about which suits you best. But what’s the difference, and which one are you?

What is a Software Engineer

Software engineering is “a branch of computer science that deals with the design, implementation, and maintenance of complex computer programs” [Merriam-Webster]. Software engineers, sometimes called software developers, know multiple programming languages and use their knowledge to design, construct, test, and maintain software and digital products. 

Key Software Engineer Skills

As a software engineer, analytical thinking and problem-solving are a must. Software engineers need to be able to plan, design, build, test, and maintain software throughout the product’s life cycle. A few key skills include:

• Programming and coding knowledge in languages such as Java, Python, Typescript, or C++
• Object-oriented programming (OOP)
• Database management systems
• Operating systems
• Version control
• Testing and debugging
• Attention to detail

What is a Web Developer

Web developers are “a kind of programmer who specializes in the development of applications relating to the World Wide Web or distributed network applications” [Techopedia]. Web developers create websites and focus on making the website easily navigable, visually appealing, and optimizing performance. Web developers are divided into three categories: front-end developers, back-end developers, and full-stack developers. While each has specific specialties, all focus on creating and building solid websites and web applications.

Key Web Developer Skills

No matter which branch of web development you choose, these skills are important. You can also see the 10+ Skills you need as a Front End Developer. 

• Programming and coding knowledge in languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
• Designing user interfaces and navigational menus
• SEO 
• Version control
• Testing and debugging
• Collaborating with designers, other developers, and stakeholders

Is Web Development the same as Software Engineering?

Short answer: Yes… kinda. 

Software engineering is a broad term that encompasses many fields. This includes video game development, QA engineering, Data Engineering, Machine Learning engineering, and Technical Product management, to name a few. This also includes web and mobile development.  

Have you ever heard the phrase, “All squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares?” This means since a rectangle is any shape with 4 straight sides and 4 right angles, a square is considered a type of rectangle. But, as a square needs 4 straight equal-length sides with 4 right angles, not every rectangle can be considered a square.

In simpler terms, all Oreos are cookies, but not every cookie is an Oreo.

This is also true for software engineers and web developers. Web development is a subset of software engineering, meaning all web developers are considered software engineers. However, not all software engineers specialize in web development. 

Difference Between Software Engineer and Web Developer

Web Developer vs Software Engineer: Skills Required

Web Developers need knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is a must. They’ll also need to be familiar with several frameworks and libraries, such as Angular, Bootstrap, or React. Web developers also work with SEO, web performance, and version control systems like Git. 

Software Engineers need knowledge of Java, Python, or C++. Software engineers focus on object-oriented design when building their software. Familiarity with testing frameworks and debugging techniques and an understanding of the software development lifecycle is necessary.

Web Developer vs Software Engineer: Job Responsibilities

Web Developers focus on building websites, web applications, and other online services for clients. They collaborate with clients and design teams to outline, build, and optimize their products. Their job requires teamwork skills and the ability to effectively communicate and execute the client’s wishes. 

Software engineers design, construct, and maintain digital products such as mobile apps, embedded systems, or security software. They focus on building and maintaining a product and work through every stage of the software development lifecycle.

Software Engineer vs Web Developer: Tools and Technologies

Software engineers work with programming languages such as Python, C#, or Java, to name a few. They also work with project management tools like Jira or Trello. Additionally, software testing tools and version control systems are a must when writing software.

Web developers work with languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, though they can also use many backend languages such as Python, Ruby, Java, or SQL. Web developers need experience with tools like Chrome Dev Tools and version control systems like Git and GitHub. 

Software Engineer vs Web Developer: Salary

According to Indeed, software engineers earn an average of $114,768 annually. Web developers earn an average of $82,364 a year.  

Software Engineer Vs Web Developer: Which Is Better For You?

Your Education and Experience

The most traditional step to becoming a software engineer or web developer is pursuing a computer science bachelor’s degree. However, it’s not a necessity. Many employers prefer you to have a bachelor’s degree from any field, while others are willing to hire someone directly from a boot camp. In any of these cases, being able to show any sort of degree or certificate of completion is essential. Additionally, you’ll need to show experience working on actual projects that you can showcase in your portfolio. 

More and more companies are relying on technical and skill-based interviewing rather than resume or education level. So being sure you understand the requirements for the applied job and practice with code challenges. 

Your Interests

Both software development and web development require someone who enjoys solving puzzles and continual learning. Software engineering can be perfect for someone who wants to understand the lifecycle of software and want to work on programs that appear in multiple places. Web development is perfect for someone who wants to build and design thoughtful and interesting websites or web applications and wants to focus solely on internet-based programming. 

Your Career Goals

Software engineering is a high-growth industry, so you’ll need continual education to keep up or advance in your career. A career in software engineering can begin as a junior developer and grow all the way to a senior developer or management track. Each of these requires more in-depth knowledge of specific languages and programs in order to advance. 

Web developers can start with one end (either front end or back end) and grow to become full-stack developers. They can then move up to a senior developer or management role within a company or decide to freelance or begin their own web design business.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion 

Software engineers build any software or program, while web developers only build websites and web-based applications. If you’re starting to learn the foundations of Front-End Web Development and wondering what to call yourself, feel confident in calling yourself a Software Engineer! Embrace your new title and embark on your journey in the tech world.