A Guide to Software Engineering

The software engineer's role is an intricate process of analysis and configuration. The very origin of the word engineer means "to devise" and so the definition of a software engineer is to devise software or programs.

Engineers in general are known for their expertise in applying the use of mathematical understanding, knowledge of scientific theory and innovative approaches to the development of existing or future architecture of a field. A software engineer is then someone who applies their skills to the development of future software, maintenance or use and to devise solutions to problems with existing programs.

Software engineers design programs which run on specific or multiple devices called platforms or consoles. A software engineer's job is to be concerned with the technical implementation of code or computer languages so that an abstract concept can be translated into a concrete result.

In terms of video game programming and the video game industry this means bringing the dream of gameplay interaction conceived by the game's creator to the reality of function and form. Function and form have limitations. It is the software engineer’s job to configure the code of a program in the best possible approach so as to overcome the limitations of the game engine or to create a new game engine that exhibits fewer constraints.

Software engineers' roles consist frequently of interaction with the quantifiable elements found in code development through design and operation as well as maintenance of codes once designed.

Software engineers will find The Guide to the Software Engineering Body of Knowledge a useful tool for progressing through their chosen field. The Guide to the Software Engineering Body of Knowledge can be shortened to the acronym SWEBOK and is accepted globally as an international standard. SWEBOK is published by the Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE) Subcommittee on Large-Scale Computing.

Software Engineering can be done with a certification or a degree in Computer Science. Computer Science is a recognized discipline. The IEEE offers other certifications as well which include the Certified Software Development Associate and the Certified Software Development Professional. Certifications in Computer Science are more recognized by the general public and often a combination of an education in computer science as well as practical experience is enough to start the career path to becoming a software engineer.

Aspirants of Software Engineering can also take the test called the NCEES Professional Engineer Exam which became available in 2013.