DevOps vs. Software Engineer - Which One Do You Need

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The continuously unfolding technological advancements along with the increasing capabilities of computers are changing the way people live and work. 

These changes are also prompting businesses and organisations to keep up. They need to adopt digital solutions in their operations and procedures to stay relevant. Furthermore, they must automate certain processes to serve their customers better. 

Because of these, firms are striving to hire computer science professionals. These professionals have the skills and knowledge that companies need to keep up with these increasingly digital times. 

There are two commonly sought-after professionals in software engineering today: DevOps engineers and Software engineers. Both are computer science professionals with knowledge of programming languages. However, they have key differences in terms of what they do. 

If you do not have a highly technological background, searching for the right IT professional for your firm may seem overwhelming—but we’re here to help! Understand the differences between DevOps and Software engineers in the sections below to help you find the one that you need for your business. 

DevOps Engineer: Definition, Responsibilities, and Skill Requirements 

A DevOps Engineer is an IT engineer who understands the Software Development Life Cycle and uses this to oversee the code releases. They work with software developers, system operators, and IT operations staff to manage the continuous automated process. They also ensure that the systems are running smoothly. 

Here are just some of the many responsibilities of a DevOps engineer: 

• Evaluate the effectiveness of technological automation tools
• Lead teams of software developers and monitor IT operations 
• Oversee the operations and make release and development processes more efficient 
• Stay up-to-date with the latest development technologies and tools
• Ensure that compliance and security controls are upheld 
• Ensure that systems are safe from cybersecurity attacks 
  

If your organisation needs a DevOps engineer, here are some skills worth looking for: 

• A solid background in Agile and DevOps principles 
• Knowledge of the programming languages you use in your organisation
• Critical thinking skills 
• Problem-solving skills 
• Organisational skills 

Software Engineer: Definition, Responsibilities, and Skill Requirements 

A software engineer is someone who works directly on computer software programs. They apply the principles of software engineering to design, develop, maintain, test, and improve software products. 

As this description can be quite broad, software engineers are often categorised into two groups: 

• Applications Engineers - These are engineers who analyse the users’ needs. They look at product development projects from both user and technical standpoints. 
• Systems Engineers - These are engineers who create, maintain, and ensure the growth of computer systems. They also oversee IT services in any organisation.  
  

Here are just some of the many responsibilities of a software engineer: 

• Work on designing and developing software products, focusing on the architectural aspects
• Develop standards and operating procedures in software development projects 
• Identify issues throughout the development and address them promptly 
• Maintain and improve existing codebases 
  

If your organisation needs a software engineer, here are some skills worth looking for: 

• Knowledge and experience in using the programming languages used in your organisation
• Knowledge of data structure and algorithms 
• Proficiency in troubleshooting software issues 
• Critical thinking skills 
• Analytical skills 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team 

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Conclusion 

The main difference between these two Information Technology roles is that a DevOps engineer mainly oversees the software development team and monitors IT operations. On the other hand, a software engineer primarily builds computer software products and maintains codebases. Both, however, require programming languages knowledge. Ultimately, both can help ensure that your software development project becomes a success. 

If you’re looking for a passionate software development company in Melbourne VIC for your project, look no further than Fabric Group! Our team of IT professionals strive to deliver value to our customers through our unique design thinking approach and extensive engineering expertise. Get in touch today to learn more about our services.