Since the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI), there has been a constant argument whether it can fully replace conventional practices and the role of humans in different fields. The purpose of this article will be to shed light on the hard work and the indispensable role of software engineers in the field of engineering and technology, despite the prevalence of artificial intelligence.

 Who is a software engineer and what do they do?

 The process of creating, evaluating, and implementing computer programs to address real-world issues while following a set of technical best practices and principles is known as software engineering. Software engineering is a disciplined and structured field that approaches the development of software with the established objectives of enhancing quality, saving time and money, and guaranteeing systematic testing and engineer accreditation.

Software developers or programmers are frequently in charge of writing the code needed to implement a system — software engineers are normally in charge of designing them. The focus of software engineering is usually on large, complex software systems, not isolated apps or programs. Even though network engineering and software engineering are two entirely distinct professions, individuals occasionally mistake the two for one another. For example, an engineer who designs, implements, and builds networks is not the same as an engineer who develops, tests, and delivers software.

System design and architecture

 Software engineers play a crucial role in product design and architecture. An application’s whole solution can be designed and created by the technical team with the help of a software architect. A software architect has adequate knowledge of software design, encompassing a variety of techniques and strategies such as event-driven design and object-oriented design. They oversee the production team and ensure that the design is developed with fidelity. They also possess the ability to evaluate design concepts and make trade-offs among one another.

Coding and implementation

 Coding, and the developmental phase, are considered the main stages in which the magic of software engineering comes to life. A bespoke software development project follows a meticulous and rigorous approach during the development phase. The main work of developing code for software development is started by developers once the planning and design phases are finished. Here is an in-depth look at the components of the period of development:

• Coding: The actual code that creates the features and functioning of the software is written by developers.
• Integration: The process by which several software components — often created independently — are integrated to function as a single unit.
• Phase of component testing: Every component of the program is examined separately to make sure it functions properly.
• Review and revision: To ensure quality and correct any problems, the code is periodically reviewed and updated.
• Version control: Programs are employed to monitor and arrange various versions of the code by managing changes to it.
• Documentation: To facilitate future maintenance and upgrades, developers provide notes and documentation on the functionality of their work within the code.

Problem solving and algorithm design 

The capacity to use rational, analytical, and imaginative reasoning to develop and implement algorithms is known as algorithmic problem-solving skills. Algorithms are detailed instructions that carry out a certain operation or solve a particular problem. Programming languages, pseudocode, and normal language can all be used to express them. Software engineers are constantly faced with challenges, from optimizing complex data structures to ensuring the scalability of applications. Identifying the issue, dissecting it into smaller issues, formulating a plan, putting the algorithm into practice, testing and debugging the answer, and assessing its effectiveness are all part of algorithmic problem-solving techniques.

The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has led some to question ‘Will AI replace software engineers altogether?’. While AI can automate certain tasks and generate basic code, it currently lacks the critical thinking and problem-solving abilities required to tackle intricate software challenges.  Software engineers with a strong foundation in algorithms and data structures, honed through a rigorous education like Baylor University’s Master’s in Computer Science, will be well-positioned to leverage AI as a tool rather than be replaced by it. This advanced degree equips graduates with the ability to design innovative algorithms, analyze complex systems, and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. 

Quality assurance and testing 

Software engineers have a very important role when it comes to quality assurance and testing of software. They perform a long list of duties when it comes to fulfilling this part of software development. Given below is a brief list of all the tasks software engineers perform when assessing and testing the quality of any given software.

• Create test plans that cover topics including software scenarios, database implications, testing for regressions, negative testing, mistake or defect retests, and usability.
• Contribute to product design reviews by offering feedback on deadlines, practical demands, product designs, and possible issues.
• Guarantee repeatability and standard compliance, document test processes.
• Make sure that test plans and schedules align with the project’s objectives and deadlines.
• Test the compatibility of software with hardware, operating systems, applications, and network settings.
• Test any changes to the system before putting them into practice.
• Keep an eye on attempts to fix bugs and record achievements. 

Collaboration and communication 

Despite the impression that software engineering is a low-contact profession, the majority of software engineers interface with clients and work in larger teams. Employers place a high emphasis on outstanding verbal and written communication skills since they are necessary for working effectively with others. A technical topic can be easily understood by a non-expert software developer if they possess this skill. If a client gets in touch with a software engineer with a problem, it will help for them to be able to explain their judgments effectively. Those who are good at communicating might think about spending some time shadowing a seasoned software engineer who interacts often with clients.

A symbiotic relationship 

Although it seems that artificial intelligence is soon going to take over, it is wrong to believe that it can completely replace humans. Software engineers created AI, software engineers provided the programming instructions for AI, and software engineers are still working on AI. How then can AI supersede the cognitive potential of software engineers?