Introduction: DevOps Engineer vs Software Engineer

The last two decades have introduced us to many new terminologies in the Engineering and Information Technology fields. Many words don’t mean the same thing as in the past. And some words are used alternatively though they mean different things. 

Two of such words are mostly confused among job recruiters and new graduates – Software Engineer and DevOps Engineer. Have you wondered, what is the difference between a Software Engineer and DevOps Engineer? If so you are in the right place. Alright without further ado, let’s get started to understand the comparison i.e. DevOps Engineer vs Software Engineer.

The Difference

Though both involve Software Development and require programming or coding knowledge, their responsibilities and skills vary. First, let’s us understand more about the roles-

Who is a Software Engineer?

A Software engineer is a person who applies engineering knowledge in the programming field. A software Engineer should have clear coding knowledge and innovative talent to find a solution for the impossible.  

Software engineers are also referred to as Software Architects – as they build and plan the design, functions, requirements, cost for the software development, test the developed software. They should be skilled at the data structure, algorithms, have good programming skills, troubleshooting software issues, and strong reasoning and analytical skills, etc… 

Based on the area or product they develop there are various software engineer job titles. They can mainly be classified into two types – Application Engineer and System Engineer 

In simple terms, a software Engineer is a computer expert with computer knowledge who plans and monitors the Software Development Process. 

Who is a DevOps Engineer?

Before knowing about a DevOps Engineer you should first understand what does DevOps means. 

The term DevOps is expanded as Development Operations. It refers to the framework followed by the IT companies to produce the software or applications as per the customer requirements. It involves agile and automotive infrastructure to ensure a fast return on demand. 

A DevOps Engineer is a person who is skilled in programming and works with the Development and Operations team of the organization. He/She oversees the Software Codes, releases the new code. It is his/her duty to effectively integrate the software development and operation process. 

To become a DevOps Engineer one should have deep knowledge of programming, experience in the software development process, problem-solving skills, organizational skills, etc… 

In Short DevOps Engineer, is a Computer person who works or commands the development and operations team of an organization. 

Comparison Table: DevOps Engineer vs Software Engineer

Are you still confused? Don’t worry, here is a simple table for you to understand the difference between the software Engineer and DevOps Engineer. 

PARAMETERS	SOFTWARE ENGINEER	DEVOPS ENGINEER
Meaning	An IT or programming person who designs, develops maintains, tests the software products.	An IT or programming person who takes part in both developments as well as the operation process of the organization.
Skills and Knowledge	Knowledge of databases, programming, algorithms, mathematics, reasoning and analytical skills, team co-operation, etc…	DevOps engineers should have Software engineer skills but should also integrate them with the managerial and organizational skills
Focus	A Software Engineer focuses mainly on the development process of the product based on the software engineering principles like SDLC.	His focus is mostly business mixed and based on customer satisfaction or user experience related. They adopt new methods of software development and processing.
Experience	You don’t need to have much experience to start as a Software Engineer.	To become a DevOps Engineer you should have experience in product development or processing or any other related field experience.
Salary	Usually, the Software Engineers are paid low compared to other technical people in the organization.	The salary of the DevOps engineer with experience is 30% higher than the software engineer.

Download the comparison table:  DevOps Engineer vs Software Engineer

Conclusion

So the one line difference between the Software Engineer and DevOps Engineer is, Software Engineer works only on the development side whereas the DevOps works both on the Development and Operation Side of the organization. 

In other words, the DevOps Engineer is a superset of the Software Engineer. Most times software Engineers work on the command or direction of the DevOps Engineers. 

If you have any further questions or doubts regarding any other terms please share them in the comment section below. 

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