Which do you call yourself? (On a CV.) The term "software engineer" seems to be used on many job postings these days, but I prefer "software developer" or even just "programmer". Somehow engineer (even if I am one) sound a bit try-hard.
I usually go with programmer/web developer. It doesn't roll off the tongue as easy as hacker but the latter term has negative connotations among the majority of humans.
it depends. In New Zealand you can get an accredited engineering degree, majoring in software engineering, and thus be entitled to call yourself an engineer. If you have one of those and you're writing software, using appropriate an engineers mindset (ie focus on quality, reliability etc), "software engineer" is good. You can go even further and become a "chartered engineer".
Otherwise it doesn't really matter, but probably shouldn't be "software engineer".
A fellow Kiwi, sweet! Incidentally, I do have an electrical engineering degree. I didn't major in software in my degree, but I have in my job (I like programming more than circuit design, I guess :-).
Still, it seems to me the term "software engineer" is used pretty loosely these days -- many "software engineers" have computer science degrees.
My overall impression is that it depends on the amount of responsibility. I would see an engineer as an architect and project manager, as well as a technical leader. A developer aids in this process wihh delegation and mid level design. A programmer is a hired gun to hand a spec to. These positions, in my experience, pay accordingly.
On my CV I list the actual titles for each job I've held. In my cover letters, I focus on the role that was advertised, in their language.
I've held many titles, but if all else fails I always know I can land a decent job as a programmer (regardless of their title for the position.) In coffee conversation, that's the term I always use.
I've never liked "software engineer," since engineer in other disciplines implies licensing. I've never met a software developer with a license or PE-like qualification in software, although I've met many engineers from other disciplines doing software development.
I've always preferred "software developer" as the most accurate and least assuming.
