What is Software Engineering?

Software engineering is defined as a process of analyzing user requirements and then designing, building, and testing software application which will satisfy those requirements. Let’s look at the various definitions of software engineering:

1. IEEE, in its standard 610.12-1990, defines software engineering as the application of a systematic, disciplined, which is a computable approach for the development, operation, and maintenance of software.

2.Fritz Bauer defined it as ‘the establishment and used standard engineering principles. It helps you to obtain, economically, software which is reliable and works efficiently on the real machines’.

3.Boehm defines software engineering, which involves, ‘the practical application of scientific knowledge to the creative design and building of computer programs. It also includes associated documentation needed for developing, operating, and maintaining them.

The top advantages of software developer jobs.

Software developer jobs are becoming more and more popular, and a career in IT is now a realistic and respectable option for many people. Take a look at the top advantages of choosing a path of software development.

The rate of pay is very good.

According to the Government’s official website, the average rate of pay for software developer jobs is between 65 and 90 thousand dollars per year. That’s well above the New Zealand average of $55,000. Compared to other professions, a career as a developer is in the higher wage bracket, and for someone starting out, that’s a lot of disposable income!

The skills are transferable.

One of the great things about the digital age, is that it is a universal language. Ones and zeros translate to any country and any company. Software developer jobs across the board all work on the same basis, so that means you can move company, country or even field, and still have the necessary skills to find a good job. And usually moving company means a good pay increase too!

Work anywhere.

Working from home is a lot of people’s dream, but as a developer you can do much more than that. All you need is a computer and an internet connection, so you’re not even restricted to your home! You can literally go anywhere in the world and still work. If you’re an immigrant to New Zealand this allows you to go back and visit family without taking holidays. Maybe you’re the nomadic type and want to see the world? Software developer jobs allow you to still have regular income while you travel.

Comfortable Working Environment.

If you don’t end up working from home, then at least with a job in IT you will always have a comfortable working environment. A nice air-conditioned office, a comfortable chair, fast internet connection, a coffee machine… it’s these little things in life that make the day go faster. Software developer jobs don’t make you work outside in the rain, hail or snow!

Constant learning curve

The great thing about the IT industry is that it is forever changing and expanding. You’ll never master your field because next week someone will invent something new that you’ll have to learn! And maybe that someone will be you! Working as a software developer means that you’ll always be adding to your knowledge base, always learning something new, and you’ll never be bored. Who can ask for more in a job!

What are the Disadvantages of Software Engineering?

Here are some of the expenditures you'll have to make to reap all of the advantages listed above. For others, this may be a good investment. Some disadvantages of Software engineering include high initial costs since you need more money upfront for salaries, office space, equipment, etc.

1. High Initial Costs

To start a micro business as a software engineer, you will need more money upfront for employee's salaries, office space, equipment, and licensed software. This is generally not an issue if the company has already been established and can help with this initial cost. If it's your first time trying to start a company, though you may have some difficulties getting everything going simultaneously.

2. Less Time in the Field

Software engineering jobs require less of being "in the field" than other job types such as construction or farming, which means fewer risks are involved. That doesn't mean there won't be any dangers, but overall, engineers will spend much less of their day exposed to those potential threats than people who work out in the open in other jobs.

3. More Time in the Office

Many software engineering jobs require a lot of time in an office, especially when you're working on a team that is building something new from scratch. This means that sometimes you won't have as much freedom to move around and be creative--but it also leads to more camaraderie with your co-workers. In addition, this isn't always true, so if you don't like spending too much time indoors or being stuck at a desk all day long, this may not apply to you either.