Software engineering is the branch of engineering that focuses on the design, development, maintenance, testing, and evaluation of computer software. Software engineers are becoming more relevant in almost every industry due to digitalization.
A common conundrum students face is choosing between computer science and software engineering. Software engineering is the application of engineering principles to computer hardware and software.
Computer science is the application of the scientific method to computer software. In simpler terms, computer science is broader, more abstract, and used for theoretical applications rather than practical ones.
Is Software Engineering Hard?
Software engineering is quite hard. The reason students find software engineering difficult is that it has a lot of challenging concepts, several advanced math courses, multiple lab sessions, and having to apply the subject material in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
Software engineering is a branch of engineering which further emphasizes its difficulty. The first two years of all engineering programs are quite similar in terms of the courses you take.
These classes are often referred to as “weed-out” courses. Many students struggle with these lessons since they have never spent so much time studying in middle or high school.
Here is a list of the typical courses you will take during the first couple of years as a software engineering student in college:
- Intorduction to Engineering
- Principles Of Programming
- English Composition
- Calculus 1, 2, 3
- Object Oriented Programming
- Computer Systems Fundamentals
- Computer Architecture
- Discrete Math
- Differential Eqautions
- Data Strucutrues and Algorithms
- Engineering Statistics
- Linear Algebra
- Mechanics
- Electromagnestism and Waves
- Physics 1 and 2
The quantitative courses will help you learn the rudiments of math, science, and engineering before you progress to the technical classes specific to your major. Physics 1 and 2, calculus 2, linear algebra, and discrete math are considered to be some of the most difficult undergraduate quantitative courses.
After completing the core courses you will find yourself grappling with tough technical classes. As a potential software engineer, most of your courses will be similar to the ones taken by computer science students but they will be more practical in nature.
Your technical courses will primarily encompass the following topics: database, operating, networking, graphics, security, artificial intelligence, automata theory, algorithms, software testing, and quality assurance.
As a software engineer, you will have to drastically improve your critical thinking skills and problem-solving skills. This is another aspect software engineers greatly struggle in. Unfortunately in middle and high school improving these skills is not given enough importance.
Overcoming the mathematical intricacy and overall complexity of software engineering requires a lot of time. Many students are unwilling to devote over forty hours per week to working on assignments, studying for tests and exams, and revising the material regularly. Most students do not leave software engineering due to a lack of talent but are not willing to work hard enough.
Why is Software Engineering So Hard?
Software engineering is so hard because it is a field that requires you to complete a challenging degree, keep up with the latest technologies and technical know-how, work with tight deadlines, and have a logical and technical mindset.
Software engineering requires you to approach problems in a logical and technical manner. Coding is very different from other types of skills. It takes a lot of time and practice to get good at coding.
Software development is essentially solving problems using coding. You cannot master every single problem that you will encounter. Instead, you will have to learn to systematically go through a problem by breaking it down into smaller chunks and developing the ability to apply your knowledge in unfamiliar contexts.
Staying up to date with the latest technologies is absolutely necessary to be a successful software engineer. You will quickly become irrelevant to the software industry if you are unwilling to upgrade your skillset.
Furthermore, as a software engineer, you will have to face unique challenges on every project you work on. Setting deadlines and maintaining them is very important to maintain your reputation as both an employer and employee.
Regardless of whichever path you take in becoming a software engineer you can expect it to be a difficult journey. It doesn’t matter whether you are self-taught, attend college, or sign up for a boot camp. Learning to code is a frustrating and perplexing skill to master.
Is Software Engineering the Hardest Engineering?
Software engineering is not the hardest branch of engineering. The hardest branch is electrical engineering which is closely followed by mechanical engineering. Software engineering is not very mathematically complex nor does it have too many challenging concepts.
Electrical engineering is the hardest since it has a lot of advanced math concepts in its technical classes. Furthermore, it is very complicated and intricate which adds to its complexity.
Mechanical engineering is not extremely mathematical in nature. However, the sheer volume of subject content covered by a mechanical engineering degree adds to its difficulty.
Software engineering is moderately difficult when compared to other branches of engineering. The greatest challenge software engineers face is programming; not advanced math or physics.
Is Software or Mechanical Engineering Harder?
Mechanical engineering is harder than software engineering since covers a lot of topics, is more math-oriented, and it is quite complex.
Is it Fun To Be A Software Engineer?
It is fun to be a software engineer. Being a software engineer is not boring because you can work with other members on interesting projects, get access to the latest technologies and frameworks, and get paid handsomely rewarded for what you do.
Software engineering is a great field to work in. You will get a chance to collaborate with other software engineers, graphic designers, and programmers on fascinating projects. Often you will be involved in developing technologies that thousands of people use in their lives.
Moreover, you will also get access to work on the latest technologies. Whether it is a new programming language or the latest framework, you will be able to use it first.
Furthermore, as a software engineer, you will be generously rewarded for your services to the company. How can it not be fun when you are provided with an above-average salary, health and dental insurance, gym memberships, and stock options by your company.
Is Software Engineering Stressful?
Software engineering is certainly a stressful field. As an engineering student, you will find yourself buried in endless assignments, quizzes, tests, and projects. As a software engineer, you will face the constant stress of updating your skills and keeping up with tight deadlines.
Although there are numerous benefits of being a software engineer, it is a demanding and difficult job. Your employer and clients alike will have high expectations from you. It will be up to you to keep up to date with the latest technologies and software. It will feel like an endless job.
Regardless of the route, you take in becoming a software engineer you can expect it to be a stressful and anxiety-ridden journey. You will be required to solve perplexing problems in a unique and efficient manner.
Drawing on your problem-solving and critical thinking skills is an exacting and taxing process. In return, you can expect amazing benefits from all the stress and pressure you take on as a software engineer.
Conclusion
Software engineering is a tough and challenging field. You will be hired to provide sophisticated and effective solutions. Employers will lure you with great perks since they are aware of how advantageous good software engineers can be to their firm.
Software engineering is difficult because it is essentially problem-solving along with math, computer science, and engineering principles. As a software engineer, you can expect it to be stressful but fun, interesting, and enjoyable at the same time.
