https://luminousmen.com/post/what-is-the-definition-of-good-engineer?utterances=840a34b537b56fb8f8e46d7fFGEegHZIxbR4wC1nLD8tafoJ4w3VEeM1RNNYnEWNbcEk4UvvjbBDFErH0cHvpxymyB0MVD8HZYh4rCbFfg0n8ZGZDxqnSr2SpEQ%2Fqrok7nd8%2F9KNzNoQdbPChOs%3D

[utterances-bot]

What is the definition of a good software engineer? - Blog | luminousmen

What is the definition of a good software engineer? This question's aim is to be personal, it focuses on the thoughts of the people you're asking it. I will show you my thoughts in this post.

https://luminousmen.com/post/what-is-the-definition-of-good-engineer?utterances=840a34b537b56fb8f8e46d7fFGEegHZIxbR4wC1nLD8tafoJ4w3VEeM1RNNYnEWNbcEk4UvvjbBDFErH0cHvpxymyB0MVD8HZYh4rCbFfg0n8ZGZDxqnSr2SpEQ%2Fqrok7nd8%2F9KNzNoQdbPChOs%3D

[paddywwoof]

I'm an engineer (and happen to be a programmer too). In English speaking countries, at least, the term 'engineer' had become debased relative to 'doctor', 'accountant', 'lawyer' (probably due to declining manufacturing) such that it doesn't have the 'professional' connotations and associated financial clout.

Many years ago I arrived at a definition of an 'engineer' as someone who could solve practical problems by applying mathematical knowledge (essentially differential and linear algebra). Most of us don't do that most of the time, but we could if needs be. If we can't do that then we should call ourselves 'manager', 'software achitect', 'programmer', 'mechanic', 'draughtsman', 'designer' etc.

[jonatwabash]

I kind of agree with paddywwoof, although I'd draw the line differently. To me, engineering is the rigorous application of scientific laws or principles to building things, ie. using diff. eq. and linear algebra sometimes, but also using formal logical proofs to demonstrate correctness sometimes, especially when working with software.

You do a good job of describing a good software developer or something like that, but there doesn't seem to be all that much call for actual engineering in most software work.