All programmers are software devs, but curiously not all software devs are programmers

This is my logic about the relationships and distinctions between different terms that are often used in the tech industry, such as computer scientist, software engineer, software developer, programmer, and coder. These terms may seem similar or interchangeable, but they can also have different meanings and implications depending on how you define and differentiate them. For example, some people think that a programmer needs to have a certain level of skill or experience in coding, while others think that anyone who writes basic instructions for a computer can be considered a programmer. Another example is that some people think that a software developer needs to have knowledge of multiple languages and frameworks, while others think that anyone who writes a program or builds a component can be considered a software developer.

However, before I proceed, I'm warmly clarifying that this is just my opinion and my way of thinking. I do not claim that this is the absolute truth or the only way to look at these terms. I understand that different people may have different definitions or criteria for what makes someone a computer scientist, a software engineer, a software developer, a programmer, or a coder. I also understand that the context or situation in which these terms are used may affect their meaning and relevance. Therefore, I do not intend to offend or exclude anyone who may disagree with my logic or who may identify themselves differently.

So, ending the confusion (or actually increasing it ??) for you techies...

Computer Science > Software Engineering >= Software Development > Programming >= Coding

#ComputerScience encompasses #SoftwareEngineering, which either encompasses #SoftwareDevelopment or is synonymous with it, which encompasses #Programming, which either encompasses #Coding or is synonymous with it.

In other words: Coding is a subfield of programming or interchangeable with it, which is a subfield of software development, which is a subfield of software engineering or interchangeable with it, which is ultimately a subfield of computer science.

The deeper logic

• All software engineers are computer scientists, but not all computer scientists are software engineers.
• Many software engineers are software developers, and vice versa; few software engineers are not software developers.
• All programmers are software developers, but curiously not all software developers are programmers.
• Many programmers are coders, and vice versa; few programmers are not coders.
• All computer scientists are obviously scientists, but clearly not all scientists are computer scientists.

Still confused, ha?

Let me explain it via storytelling and personas.

A computer scientist who's not dealing with software engineering?!

Meet…

Thea Pedersen, Computer vision researcher.

• Works at Noopaya since June 2023, and responsible for exploring and implementing methods to process and interpret graphics and audio using ML and computer science.
• Joined the industry in 2023 at the age of 21.
• Writes code in #Rust.
• Speaks Norwegian, Swedish, and English.
• Lives in Stockholm, Uppland, Sweden.

Ankur Gupta, Algorithms expert.

• Works at Raxxel since June 2021, and responsible for implementing, analyzing, and optimizing algorithms for various domains and applications.
• Joined the industry in 2013 at the age of 27.
• Writes code in #Python and #Julia.
• Speaks Hindi and English.
• Lives in Dublin, Leinster, Ireland.

Thea and Ankur have different backgrounds, titles, and responsibilities, yet both are essentially computer scientists. They deal with the science/math aspects of the system that other employees do not, while dedicating less than 10% of their time to actual engineering.

A software engineer who's not dealing with development?!

Meet…

Lorena Moya, Software architect.

• Works at Ovnez since February 2022, and responsible for designing and enhancing the app to meet user needs, as well as offering solutions to deep problems in the architecture.
• Joined the industry in 2008 at the age of 33 (career transition).
• Writes code in C++, #Elixir, and #Clojure.
• Speaks Spanish, Dutch, and English.
• Lives in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands.

Eyal Katz, System designer.

• Works at Vexoop since October 2022, and responsible for creating and communicating information system designs using tech specs and diagrams.
• Joined the industry in 2002 at the age of 27.
• Writes code in C#, #Ruby, and #Crystal.
• Speaks Hebrew and English.
• Lives in Rishon LeZion, Central District, Israel.

Lorena and Eyal have different backgrounds, titles, and responsibilities, yet both are essentially software engineers. They deal with the engineering aspects (high-level stuff) of the system/app that other employees do not, while dedicating less than 10% of their time to actual development.

A software dev who's not dealing with programming?!

Meet…

Mariam Al Qubaisi, Tech lead for automated testing.

• Works at Derqanna since February 2020, and responsible for ensuring code healthiness of automated tests and CI/CD "jobs", as well as raising team productivity in software testing.
• Joined the industry in 2016 at the age of 25.
• Writes code in #Java and #TypeScript (incl. #JS).
• Speaks Arabic and English.
• Lives in Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland.

Luká? Novotny, Tech lead for Android app development.

• Works at Najben since October 2020, and responsible for ensuring code healthiness within the native app, as well as raising team productivity in Android app dev.
• Joined the industry in 2012 at the age of 29.
• Writes code in #Kotlin and #Scala.
• Speaks Czech, German, and English.
• Lives in Berlin, Germany.

Mariam and Luká? have different backgrounds, titles, and responsibilities, yet both are essentially software developers. They deal with the development aspects of the software that other employees do not, while dedicating less than 10% of their time to actual programming.

A programmer who's not dealing with coding?!

Meet…

Ye-jin Choi, SDK Integrator.

• Works at Galaxana since October 2024, and responsible for helping clients integrate the SDK(s) to upgrade their own iOS app(s) with hand-picked features.
• Joined the industry in 2024 at the age of 31.
• Writes code in #Swift.
• Speaks Korean and English.
• Lives in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Ye-jin is a programmer who specializes in integrating SDKs for clients. He deals with the programming aspects of the software that other employees do not, while dedicating less than 10% of her time to actual coding.

An employee who's purely coding?!

Meet…

Luis Reyes, Coder (internship).

• Works at Balbalo since February 2024, and responsible for writing, testing, and debugging code, while constantly learning the programming language and the framework used routinely.
• Joined the industry in 2024 at the age of 23.
• Writes code in #Dart.
• Speaks Spanish and English.
• Lives in Seattle, Washington, USA.

Luis is an intern coder who handles coding and testing aspects of the software that others do not. He also spends time acquiring skills and accumulating knowledge during his first year of his career.

Well-defined roles and responsibilities matter more than you realize

Having clear distinctions in place is essential for effective collaboration, accountability, and achieving optimal results. They help to clarify expectations, prevent misunderstandings, and ensure accountability. Unfortunately, the current state of blurred lines between roles and responsibilities is all too common in many organizations, which can lead to confusion, inefficiencies, and conflicts within teams.

This lack of clarity can result in tasks being overlooked, or worse, completed twice. It can also lead to a lack of accountability and finger-pointing when things go wrong. In addition, team members can become demotivated and disengaged if they don't understand what is expected of them. Overall, it can have a significant impact on the success of a project and the productivity of the team. By establishing and communicating clear lines, teams can work together more effectively, stay focused, and achieve their objectives.

#Management #ProjectManagement #HumanResources #HR #Recruitment #TalentAcquisition #Career #Careers #PersonalDevelopment #PersonalBranding