Programming vs Software Engineering vs Software Development

Written on 10:38 AM by Robert

Now that I've been out of work for a few months, I've been amazed at the changes that has transpired in the IT landscape since the last time I've been out of work. The term "programmer" is declining in popularity, while "software engineer" and "software developers" are more commonplace. So, is there a difference? Apparently there is.

The IEEE defines software engineering as "(1) The application of a systematic, disciplined, quantifiable approach to the development, operation, and maintenance of software; that is, the application of engineering to software. (2) The study of approaches as in (1)"

However, that didn't satisfy my questions. Why do we see so many programming jobs posted with all different job titles? After tons of research, this is what I concluded:

Programmer - someone who writes code, and that is it

Software developer (or web developer or application developer) - someone who writes code, takes care of graphics or GUI requirements, handles testing etc...

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

Based on these definitions, maybe I should change the name of this blog.
Any thoughts or corrections?

Posted in jobs,programming