Coding Advice for a Software Engineering/Developer career

[Trickmaster]

So I need advice for what courses would actually be useful in this career. Ive already talked to my guidance counselor but I was wondering if I could get more input from other people as well. First off, I'm not exactly sure what the difference is between a software engineer/software developer is, although I do get the basic differences. (software engineer gets the big picture, a programmer just follows instructions) So advice on the differences would be great. Secondly, I'm trying to get a high class rank so I'm trying to take as many APs as possible that can fit in my schedule, so I'm not sure which courses I should take. Here are some of the courses I plan on taking: (most of them are Project Lead the Way courses)

Digital Electronics? - next year- do I/should I take this course? Is it necessary if I become a software developer/engineer, focused more on the software and planning side of things rather than hardware?

Computer and Software Engineering - I'll definitely take this.

AP Comp. Sci, AP Physics, AP Calc, etc. - I'll take these as well.

So mainly I'm at a loss whether or not Digital Electronics will be useful. It can't hurt, but is it necessary?

@Camel @repository @OrangeGrapeEater @Drew McNamee

 

[Trickmaster]

Also in Digital Electronics is that where you would learn hardware, basically? Such as router info, computer specs, etc.?

 

[Story]

Software Engineering is a lot more comprehensive than developing, Software Engineers should know everything about software and how it's built for top to bottom, this is a lot more helpful in the long run of your career especially for what you are looking at, Software Developing on the other is primarily focused on learning programming languages and making the software itself, Engineers learn all sorts of different aspects of software and are more skilled to dealing with it.

I'd say for software engineering digital electronics isn't an obvious decision, software engineers specialize in exactly what's on the name, Software.
Digital Electronics is a perfect idea for hardware engineers, if that's also a career that you are interested in, you should most definitely take up Digital Electronics, it will make your job a lot easier and will also make you look good when applying for a job.

Wait for a few more opinions on the Digital Electronics course.

Hope this helped.

 

[Trickmaster]

Software Engineering is a lot more comprehensive than developing, Software Engineers should know everything about software and how it's built for top to bottom, this is a lot more helpful in the long run of your career especially for what you are looking at, Software Developing on the other is primarily focused on learning programming languages and making the software itself, Engineers learn all sorts of different aspects of software and are more skilled to dealing with it.

I'd say for software engineering digital electronics isn't an obvious decision, software engineers specialize in exactly what's on the name, Software.
Digital Electronics is a perfect idea for hardware engineers, if that's also a career that you are interested in, you should most definitely take up Digital Electronics, it will make your job a lot easier and will also make you look good when applying for a job.

Wait for a few more opinions on the Digital Electronics course.

Hope this helped.

So then software engineers tend to have a more successful salary/career? Also I don't think hardware is what I'm interested in, but I'll wait for more opinions.

Also, what exactly does a Software Engineer know about software? in addition to actually programming?

 

[Story]

So then software engineers tend to have a more successful salary/career? Also I don't think hardware is what I'm interested in, but I'll wait for more opinions.

Also, what exactly does a Software Engineer know about software? in addition to actually programming?

Yes they tend to earn more salary, only a tad higher, mainly because they acquire more skills but it really depends on the employer.

Software Engineers have skills and knowledge about Databases, Programming, Operating Systems, Computers Graphics, Relational Algrebra, Data Structures and a few others, whereas a developer wouldn't know anywhere near this amount of knowledge.

 

[Camel]

Software development and software engineering are interrelated terms, but they don’t mean quite the same thing. A software engineer is engaged in software development; not all software developers, however, are engineers. Software engineering means applying engineering principles to software creation. It can seem odd to talk about engineering something that doesn’t have mass or take up space, but software is embedded in things that do have mass. Software does everything from dispense our medication to control large equipment. Many people also rely on software to perform job duties, whether they work in an office or telecommute. As we all know, software applications can malfunction. It’s not just bridges that crash… and it’s not just bridges that need a good foundations. Software engineers begin with a thorough study of requirements. They work through the development process in a systematic way; this is called the software development life cycle.

 

[Trickmaster]

Software development and software engineering are interrelated terms, but they don’t mean quite the same thing. A software engineer is engaged in software development; not all software developers, however, are engineers. Software engineering means applying engineering principles to software creation. It can seem odd to talk about engineering something that doesn’t have mass or take up space, but software is embedded in things that do have mass. Software does everything from dispense our medication to control large equipment. Many people also rely on software to perform job duties, whether they work in an office or telecommute. As we all know, software applications can malfunction. It’s not just bridges that crash… and it’s not just bridges that need a good foundations. Software engineers begin with a thorough study of requirements. They work through the development process in a systematic way; this is called the software development life cycle.

Lol I saw that explanation while searching up the question myself :P

 

[olsyboy]

Firstly, you need to create some sort of 'Demo reel'..
I would consider producing software for organisations whether they be big or small, before you apply for a job, so that you are confident in being able to work with people in this.

You need to show people what you are capable of because, even though there needs to be many more people in this industry, there are extremely good people in it already.

:) Good luck

 

[PartyBlaze]

I'd definitely take Digital Electronics too.

 

[alyphen]

Yes they tend to earn more salary, only a tad higher, mainly because they acquire more skills but it really depends on the employer.

Software Engineers have skills and knowledge about Databases, Programming, Operating Systems, Computers Graphics, Relational Algrebra, Data Structures and a few others, whereas a developer wouldn't know anywhere near this amount of knowledge.

I know all of the topics you listed, and I've taken up software developer roles in the past (though currently a test analyst)
I'd say go as if to get a job, and check websites such as GitHub jobs or StackOverflow Careers and see what they require. Look at graduate schemes and see what you can do after you finish.

 

[Zed]

What level of education are you entering? If you are at pre higher education wanting to get to a top uni then maths maths maths

 

[olsyboy]

@GingerGeek It should always be maths maths maths xD

 

[Xycheth]

Maths = Mental Anuse To Humans.

(Just me cri)

 

[not2excel]

What level of education are you entering? If you are at pre higher education wanting to get to a top uni then maths maths maths

Not entirely true, but not false either. Math knowledge is the hardest part of software engineering imo. Especially since there is so many examples and places you can get with for development. SO, JavaRanch, reddit (ik im ashamed to have to put this) You can also go the /r/dailyprogramming tasks to get better.

Back to what I quoted, I haven't used anything higher than calculus 1. (not saying everyone doesnt, but its just a perspective) I have however used discrete mathematics a ton.

 

[Samuel Requena]

Ive been programing for 2 years in JAVA and im not specially good at maths:D

 

[Dan:]

Going to hijack this post here

If you are at pre higher education wanting to get to a top uni then maths maths maths

I'm a freshman currently in Geometry honors and next year I am taking both Algebra 2, precalc, and AP comp sci, then junior year AP calc AB + AP physics 1 and 2, and senior year AP physics c: ME and AP calc BC. Does this sound like a good path to take

 

[PartyBanaan_]

Whats going on hahah xD

 

[hgbf]

Ive been programing for 2 years in JAVA and im not specially good at maths:D

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