Tanwani
Which is difficult between IT and software engineering
I love Careers that will allow me to have time with my family , time with friends and earn a good some of money and can also work as an entrepreneur #engineer
2 answers
Heath Gurganus
Heath’s Answer
It's an interesting time for "IT", as the field is beginning to adopt more and more software engineering practices (through things like infrastructure as code and following a code review processes for changes to IT systems). I don't see the two fields as being as distinct as they perhaps once were.
If your question is "which is _more_ difficult between the two", I think that depends on your personality, aptitude, and interests. Both "IT" and "Software Engineering" (if we want to think of them as distinct fields) have pros and cons, and aspects that may be more challenging at times. With IT, for example, you'll probably be expected to have a working understanding of a wider range of technologies (such as networking, compute infrastructure, and scripting), while with Software Engineering folks tend to specialize a bit more. On the other hand, depending on the type of Software Engineering you're considering, that field may require more years of education and a longer "ramp up" period once you start your first job than IT typically does—where I would say it's somewhat easier to learn on the job if you're background is in some different field.
Based on my experience so far, though, I would encourage you to learn all you can about both, and perhaps get a degree in CS or a basic science, and then look for work at a company whose work you're interested in—regardless of the specific role or department you're hired into. I think that's a better determining factor for long-term success and happiness in what you do than the specific field you work in (i.e. IT vs. Software Engineering).
Mike Fix
Mike’s Answer
IT and Software Engineering are tightly coupled, often requiring similar, but unique skills sets from people performing those tasks. For example, in my Organization, we have Software Development Engineers in Test (SDET https://www.guru99.com/software-developer-engineer-test-sdet.html), performing a variety of functions such as:
- Architectural drawings of software/platform features and capabilities
- Requirements engineers translating features to actual design elements
- Developers, creating physical manifest of the requirements
- Automation and Test engineers writing automated scripts to test the developers code
- Then, there's Deployment Engineers deploying the product to customer sites
Software Engineering can, and does, involve the entire suite of roles and delivery mentioned above. What is not mentioned, is the Infrastructure and Planning to integrate all the tools and configure access for all resources (human, and other) to realize the benefits of a truly software delivery organization as automated as possible. This additional responsibility, of strategically looking at integration of tools, capabilities, and resources, and planning for growth and technology changes, is often the responsibility of the IT professional.
In other words, IT is about understanding & integrating the technologies that Software Developers/Engineers will use to create (code, automate, test, deploy) and deliver the Company's products and services.
Be sure to check out the SDET site, then start researching any questions you have about terms, technologies, and roles, for a complete view!
Best of luck to you. Hope this helps!
Mike recommends the following next steps: