Should you use the title Application Developer vs Software Developer? I use the titles interchangeably. Practically, there isn’t much difference between them. One difference is the tools you use. Every company has a different definition but very similar practices. Because of this, you shouldn’t apply for jobs on the basis of a title. Instead, consider the technical needs of the role.
App Development vs Software Development Overview
I’ve been a programmer for over 15 years and this question comes up a lot.
Generally, good naming is important to programmers. After all, we are very particular about them…and will discuss them at length.
We want to be precise so that everyone knows exactly what we do. We tend to want to be as precise as the programs we write.
Trouble is, names vary from country to country. Take a look at some of the results from Google Trends. The results will surprise you. Is there a country that surprised you the most?
The term Application Developer seems to be on its way out. Most people, however, prefer the terms “Software Engineer” or “Software Developer”.
Personally, I prefer the term Software Developer.
Software Engineer sounds, well, pretentious to me.
I’m not saying that it is. That’s just how it sounds to me.
That said, I’m happy for a company to call me whatever they want.
I’m glad as long as I can provide a lot of value and get paid.
What is the difference between an Application Developer and a Software Developer?
Most articles on this topic, overall, aren’t written by real software developers. There is a lot of misinformation that needs to be corrected.
It would be best if we heard from an actual developer…and so I’d like to add my two cents.
Here’s how I see it…
Software Engineering, at a high level, includes the entire process of creating software. It goes beyond how to code and instead looks at the entire lifecycle.
Software Development, on the other hand, is more focused on coding. It is more specialized with less focus on the details of the engineering process.
That said, it too is a very broad term. It covers a large number of roles. Importantly, it can include non-coding roles like Business Analysts and Testers.
Likewise, Application Development is even more specialized. It focuses more on applications with a graphical view.
This can range from technologies such as Windows and Web Forms to Web Application Development in general.
They all have their own areas of expertise such as:
- WPF
- ASP.NET
- Grails
- Angular
- Swing etc.
Additionally, “App Developer” often refers to developing mobile phone applications. This is a common naming convention, today, that could change over time as the line between apps and applications continues to blur.
The role of Application Developer overlaps that of Software Developer. The difference, in general, is the tools you use.
If you find yourself primarily working on back-end APIs and system integration then this term may not fit you. The more you focus on graphical interfaces, the more you fit into the Application Developer role.
Does the title Application Developer matter?
It really depends. In practice, I haven’t found there to be much of a difference.
Currently, I’m an Application Developer. I build web applications, predominantly, using a number of frameworks and tools.
Previously, my title was “Software Engineer”. Nonetheless, my current role is much more technically challenging and fulfilling.
Even when moving between companies, your title shouldn’t matter as long as you meet the technical requirements of the role.
Is it trending?
When it comes to Application Developer vs Software Developer, “Software Developer” is the clear winner.
Application Developer, while still popular, seems to be falling out of favor.
According to Google Trends, these two terms split in popularity 20 years ago.
Having learned this, I’ll be calling myself a Software Developer. And, brazenly, I think you should too…but…
However, do read to the end before you decide what is right for you!
Which countries prefer Application Developer vs Sofware Developer?
Turns out, some countries prefer specific titles. You should consider that when choosing what to call yourself.
If you’re living in Japan or France, you may want to go for Application Developer. The popularity of the term in those countries is greater than 50%.
But even then, there wouldn’t be much harm in following the global trend.
What is the difference between a Software Developer and a Software Engineer?
By and large, the main difference tends to be the level of emphasis on following processes.
Wikipedia defines Engineer as follows:
Engineers, as practitioners of engineering, are professionals who invent, design, analyze, build and test machines, complex systems, structures, and materials to fulfill functional objectives and requirements while considering the limitations imposed by practicality, regulation, safety and cost.
Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engineer
The emphasis is on the process of building complicated systems.
More emphasis is placed on general principals than individual technologies.
In my mind, a Software Engineer is a highly experienced Software Developer.
Specifically, they can think past the current coding problem. They think about things like:
- Architecture
- Best practices
- Trade-offs
- Integration
- Reusability.
Sometimes, companies use the phrase Senior Developer or Technical Architect instead of Software Engineer.
Does the title Software Developer matter?
On the whole, it doesn’t matter. Feel free to call yourself a Software Developer or Software Engineer. I doubt many would notice the difference.
Mostly, what matters is that you do your best. You should work with your team to deliver amazing software.
Importantly, you should move beyond your pet language or framework and see the bigger picture. Delivering value is what matters most.
Is it trending?
This actually surprised me…
Over the years, most job ads I’ve seen use Developer over Engineer.
Remarkably, Google Trends shows that people are searching for “Software Engineer” more than “Software Developer”.
For the moment, my plan is to continue using the term Software Developer…but if it ever changes then I’ll consider changing too.
It’s more important to communicate my skills to clients than to worry about what word to use.
Which countries prefer Software Developer vs Software Engineer?
Again, culture influences which term you should use.
The following countries prefer “Software Developer” over “Software Engineer”:
- South Africa
- Poland
- New Zealand
- Denmark
- Hungary
- Romania
- Austria
Outside of these, you may want to consider calling yourself a Software Engineer.
Should you be calling yourself an Application Developer?
Put me down for maybe.
Honestly, as long as you’re able to get the jobs and clients you want; you’re golden. The word itself doesn’t matter.
Currently, my job title is Application Developer. It really doesn’t bother me.
On the other hand, I now know it is going out of fashion. As such, I won’t be using it to refer to myself.
Essentially, the term “Software Developer” has won.
Better yet, it can be used as a synonym of its cousin “Software Engineer”.
I don’t know if I’ll ever really like the term “Software Engineer”…
It sounds very pretentious.
Do you think it sounds pretentious?
Which term to you call yourself?
I’d love to know.
