Platform Engineer vs. Software Engineer: What Are the Differences?
Learn about the two careers and review some of the similarities and differences between them.
A career in engineering can be both challenging and rewarding. If you’re interested in working with software, you may be wondering whether you should pursue a career as a platform engineer or a software engineer. Both of these positions require a high level of education and skill, but there are some key differences between them. In this article, we discuss the similarities and differences between platform engineers and software engineers, and we provide information to help you decide which career is right for you.
What is a Platform Engineer?
A platform engineer is responsible for designing and building the technical infrastructure that supports the software applications used by a company. This can include developing the company’s web platform, designing the database architecture, and creating the server infrastructure. Platform engineers need to have a strong understanding of both software engineering and systems engineering. They need to be able to design systems that are scalable, reliable, and secure. In addition, platform engineers need to be able to work with developers to ensure that the applications they are creating can be integrated into the company’s platform.
What is a Software Engineer?
Software Engineers design, develop and test software programs. They work in a variety of industries, including computer systems design, manufacturing, finance and healthcare. They often work on teams with other engineers and developers to create new software products or to improve existing ones. Software Engineers use a variety of programming languages, depending on the project they’re working on. They also use software development tools to create and test code. Once a program is created, they may also be responsible for maintaining it and providing technical support to users.
Platform Engineer vs. Software Engineer
Here are the main differences between a platform engineer and a software engineer.
Job Duties
Both software engineers and platform engineers have duties that involve research, analysis and planning. After they conduct research, they analyze the data to determine what improvements need to be made. The major difference is that a software engineer typically focuses on the design and development of new systems, while a platform engineer focuses on the maintenance and optimization of existing systems. Another key difference is that a software engineer’s job duties are almost entirely technical, while a platform engineer also has managerial responsibilities.
Job Requirements
To become a software engineer, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree or higher. In addition to your educational requirements, you will also need to have strong problem-solving skills and experience using various programming languages.
To become a platform engineer, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. You will also need to have strong problem-solving skills and experience working with various operating systems and platforms. Additionally, it is helpful to have experience in network administration or security.
Work Environment
Software engineers typically work in an office setting, but they may also travel to clients’ locations. They often spend their days sitting at a desk and using computers to design software programs.
Platform engineers usually work in an industrial environment where they can use heavy machinery. They may be on call 24 hours a day for emergency repairs or maintenance. These professionals may also travel to different sites to perform inspections or troubleshoot issues.
Skills
Both platform engineers and software engineers use technical skills to perform their jobs. This can include programming languages, coding, debugging and troubleshooting. They may also use specific software platforms or tools related to their field.
Platform engineers typically focus on developing and maintaining the underlying systems that software applications run on. This can include operating systems, virtualization software and cloud-based platforms. They need to have an understanding of how these systems work and how they can be configured to meet the needs of the software applications they will support.
Software engineers usually focus on developing the actual applications that users interact with. This can include mobile apps, desktop applications and web-based applications. They need to have an understanding of user experience and how to design applications that are easy to use.
Both platform engineers and software engineers benefit from having strong problem-solving skills. They often need to be able to identify issues and find creative solutions that address the root cause of the problem. They also need to be able to effectively communicate with other members of their team, as well as customers or clients who may be using the applications they develop.
Salary
The average salary for a platform engineer is $125,649 per year, while the average salary for a software engineer is $106,619 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the type of company you work for, your level of experience and your location.