by When it comes to the world of technology, the terms "software engineer" and "web developer" are often used interchangeably, but they actually represent two distinct roles.
Understanding their differences is crucial for anyone looking to pursue a career in tech or for those who are looking to hire the right talent for a project.
In this article, we’ll explore the key difference between web developer and software engineer, including their specific functions, the technologies they work with, and how each role contributes to the development of digital solutions.
What does a web developer do?
This specialist is responsible for creating and maintaining websites.
Their main goal is to ensure that users have a smooth and interactive experience when navigating an online service.
Responsibilities of a web developer:
- Create the structure, layout, and visual elements of websites.
- Coding with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build the user interface.
- Work with server-side technologies like databases, scripting languages (e.g., Python, PHP, Ruby), and server configuration.
- Optimize performance by ensuring fast loading times, responsiveness on various devices (e.g., desktops, tablets, mobile phones), and minimal errors.
- Test websites and applications for issues like bugs, broken links, or slow performance and work to fix these problems.
- Responsible for maintaining websites post-launch, which involves regular updates, security patches, and changes to the content.
- Use diverse frameworks, libraries, and content management systems (CMS) to make their duties easier and more efficient.
Web developer resume template
What does a software engineer do?
They apply engineering principles to the entire software development process, from initial planning to the final deployment and maintenance.
Their work is broader and more technically complex compared to that of a web developer, involving the creation of software for a variety of platforms.
Responsibilities of a software engineer:
- Design architectures and systems based on the needs of users or businesses.
- Write code using programming languages such as Java, C++, Python, C#, or JavaScript.
- Build applications that run on various platforms, such as mobile devices, computers, or embedded systems.
- Rigorously test software to identify bugs or inefficiencies.
- Focus on optimizing code and improving the efficiency of the software.
- Often collaborate with other engineers, designers, and project managers.
- Ensure that the apps are secure from vulnerabilities and can scale to handle more users.
Software engineer resume template
Web developer vs software engineer: key differences
| Aspect | Software Engineer | Web Developer |
|---|---|---|
| Software engineer vs web developer salary. | Higher on average due to broader scope; ranges $80,000–$130,000/year. | Moderate; ranges $60,000–$100,000/year, varying by specialization. |
| Education. | Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. | Needs a degree in web development, computer science, or equivalent experience. |
| Certifications. | AWS Certified Developer, Microsoft Certified: Azure Associate. | Certified Web Developer, Google Mobile Web Specialist, or related fields. |
| Career Path | May progress to roles like senior software engineer, solutions architect, or manager. | Can advance to front-end architect, or technical lead. |
| Opportunities. | Opportunities in industries like finance, healthcare, aerospace, and big tech. | Roles in e-commerce, digital marketing, or specialized web solutions. |
| Work Environment. | Can work on-site or remotely, as a part of larger, cross-functional teams. | Collaborative with designers and content teams, remote or agency-based. |
| Freelance. | Less common; found in consulting or as part of project-based contracts. | Abundant; web developers often thrive as freelancers or in gig platforms. |
| Market Demand. | High, across industries due to the need for robust and secure systems. | High, especially in e-commerce, digital media, and startup ecosystems. |
| Daily Tools. | Uses integrated development environments (IDEs) like IntelliJ, Eclipse, or Visual Studio; programs for debugging and profiling. | Relies on editors like VS Code, Sublime Text, browser developer tools, and CMS platforms. |
| Project Timeline. | Works on long-term projects, sometimes lasting months or years, involving multiple stages. | Frequently handles shorter-term projects, with quick turnarounds for updates or new builds. |
| Specializations. | Includes roles like DevOps engineer, machine learning, and embedded systems developer. | Specializes in front-end, back-end, or full-stack development. |
| Work-Life Balance. | Can vary depending on project deadlines; may involve intense hours during releases. | Generally manageable but can become hectic with multiple client deadlines. |
| Major Companies. | Tech giants like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, and Oracle. | Web-focused firms like Shopify, Squarespace, Wix, and freelance platforms. |
| Notable Figures. | Alan Turing, Ada Lovelace (pioneers of software engineering). | Tim Berners-Lee (inventor of the World Wide Web). |
| Job Titles. | Software Architect, System Engineer, AI, DevOps Specialist. | Front-End, Full-Stack, UI Developer. |
How to become a software engineer?
- Learn what software engineers do and confirm your interest in the field.
- Earn a degree in computer science, attend bootcamps, or self-learn online.
- Master key languages like Python, Java, C++, or JavaScript.
- Study algorithms, data structures, system design, and version control (e.g., Git).
- Showcase your projects, open-source contributions, and challenges.
- Intern, freelance, or participate in hackathons to develop real-world skills.
- Pursue credentials like AWS Certified Developer or Oracle Java Programmer.
- Connect with professionals on LinkedIn, attend meetups, and join communities.
- Practice coding challenges and technical problem-solving on platforms like LeetCode.
- Stay updated with new technologies and continuously enhance your skills.
Software engineer resume examples
Gracie F. Gomez
New Effington, SD 57255
(605) 555-1234 | gracie.gomez@email.com | linkedin.com/in/graciegomez | github.com/graciegomezObjective
Dedicated and resourceful engineer with experience in designing, developing, and maintaining scalable software solutions. Proficient in Python, Java, and JavaScript, with a strong background in web application development and system architecture.
Skills
- Programming Languages: Python, Java, C++, JavaScript
- Web Development: HTML, CSS, React, Node.js
- Database Management: MySQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL
- Tools & Platforms: Git, Docker, Jenkins, AWS, Azure
- Methodologies: Agile, Scrum, Test-Driven Development (TDD)
- Specialized Knowledge: System Design, API Development, Data Structures and Algorithms
Education
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD
Graduated: May 2018
Professional Experience
Software Engineer
Google – Mountain View, CA
June 2020 – Present
- Develop and maintain scalable APIs for Google Cloud services, increasing system reliability by 15%.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement machine learning integration into cloud applications.
- Optimize database queries, reducing response time by 25%.
- Key achievement: Spearheaded the migration of legacy systems to microservices architecture, improving scalability by 40%.
Junior Software Developer
TechNova Solutions – Minneapolis, MN
July 2018 – May 2020
- Designed and implemented responsive web applications for clients in the e-commerce sector, increasing customer engagement by 30%.
- Conducted comprehensive code reviews and resolved critical bugs, ensuring application stability.
- Automated deployment pipelines using Jenkins, reducing deployment times by 50%.
- Key achievement: Developed an analytics dashboard that provided real-time insights for client operations.
Projects
SmartInventory Management System
- Developed a Python-based inventory tracking tool using Flask and PostgreSQL, enhancing stock accuracy by 20%.
- Integrated RESTful APIs for seamless communication with third-party platforms.
Real-Time Chat Application
- Built a secure chat application using Node.js, React, and WebSocket for instant messaging.
- Achieved a 99.9% uptime with robust error handling and performance optimization.
Certifications
- Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) (2023)
- AWS Certified Developer – Associate (2022)
- Oracle Certified Java Programmer (2021)
Professional Affiliations
- Member, Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
- Volunteer, Girls Who Code Mentor Program
Interests
- Advancing knowledge in artificial intelligence and cloud computing.
- Participating in coding hackathons and open-source projects.
References
Available upon request.
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How to become a web developer?
- Learn how to create web pages using HTML, style them with CSS, and make them interactive with JavaScript.
- Decide whether to focus on front-end, back-end, or full-stack development.
- Get familiar with advanced technologies like React, Angular, Node.js, and database systems like MongoDB or PostgreSQL.
- Build practical applications and websites to demonstrate your abilities.
- Join online classes, tutorials, or immersive coding bootcamps to accelerate your learning.
- Start freelancing, work on internships, or contribute to open-source projects.
- Make a personal website or GitHub repository showcasing your best work.
- Participate in developer communities, tech events, and job boards to grow your connections and prospects.
- Practice coding exercises and technical problem-solving to ace interviews.
- Continuously update your knowledge with the latest tools, frameworks, and industry trends.
Web developer resume examples
Jennifer P. Shupe
Seymour, IN 47274
(812) 555-5678 | jennifer.shupe@email.com | linkedin.com/in/jennifershupe | github.com/jennifershupeSummary
Passionate and detail-oriented web developer with experience in building responsive websites and web applications. Skilled in front-end and back-end technologies, seeking to leverage my technical expertise and creative problem-solving skills at a forward-thinking company like Google or Microsoft.
Skills
- Languages: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, PHP, SQL
- Frameworks & Libraries: React, Node.js, Bootstrap, jQuery
- Database Management: MySQL, MongoDB
- Version Control: Git, GitHub
- Web Development Tools: Visual Studio Code, npm, Webpack, Docker
- Methodologies: Agile, Scrum, Responsive Web Design
- Additional: Cross-browser compatibility, SEO optimization, API integration
Education
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Graduated: May 2019
Professional Experience
Web Developer
TechWeb Solutions – Indianapolis, IN
June 2021 – Present
- Design and develop responsive websites for clients in various industries, including retail, healthcare, and education.
- Integrate third-party APIs for payment processing, social media sharing, and customer analytics.
- Optimize website performance, leading to a 30% improvement in load times.
- Lead front-end development using React and managed back-end services with Node.js and Express.
- Key achievement: Developed a custom content management system (CMS) for a client, reducing update time by 50%.
Junior Web Developer
BrightTech Web Agency – Seymour, IN
July 2019 – May 2021
- Assisted in creating dynamic websites using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP.
- Managed MySQL databases and integrated dynamic content for websites.
- Enhanced website accessibility and ensured compatibility across browsers and devices.
- Collaborated with UX/UI teams to design user-friendly web interfaces.
- Key achievement: Contributed to a redesign that increased user engagement by 25%.
Projects
E-Commerce Platform
- Built an e-commerce website using React for the front end and Node.js for the back end.
- Integrated payment gateway APIs and user authentication for a secure shopping experience.
- Improved the mobile shopping experience with responsive design and faster load times.
Personal Portfolio Website
- Developed a personal portfolio using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to showcase web development projects.
- Created an interactive gallery to highlight key projects and demonstrate technical skills.
Certifications
- Front-End Web Development with React – FreeCodeCamp (Completed: July 2022)
- JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures – FreeCodeCamp (Completed: June 2021)
- Google Mobile Web Specialist Certification – Google (Completed: March 2023)
Professional Affiliations
- Member, Web Professionals Organization (WPO)
- Contributor, Open Source Web Development Projects on GitHub
Interests
- Exploring new web technologies such as Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) and Web3 development.
- Volunteering to teach coding and mentoring students at local community centers.
References
Available upon request.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between pursuing a career as a software engineer or a web developer depends on individual interests and goals.
Software engineering tends to involve more systems-level thinking and deeper technical problem-solving, whereas web development offers the opportunity to create user-facing products and applications that have immediate impact on users.
Both paths offer strong career prospects, with ample opportunities for growth and specialization.
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