Data is information that has been translated into a form that is efficient for movement and processing. If data is not put into context, it cannot be understood either by a human or computer. In networking for example, “data” relates to the digital information that can circulate through a telephone network or a computer network.
Data engineering involves designing and building computer systems and infrastructure for collecting, storing and analysing data at scale. Companies rely on this science to collect, translate, and validate data for analysis. Software is a set of programs and procedures necessary to operate a computer system; software engineering thus refers to the field of engineering that deals with software design and development.
Data engineering and software engineering are both engineering disciplines; as per definitions, they aim to design, test and build machines, structures and processes using maths, science and technology principles. This article examines the specifics, similarities, and differences that distinguish these two professions.
What is Data Engineering?
Data engineering involves constructing and designing process stacks for creating or gathering, storing, enhancing and analysing data.
Data engineers prepare the data infrastructure for analysis by data scientists. They design, compile, assemble, and maintain data from multiple sources. They provide data accessibility and better system performance that companies need to become more productive.
A data engineer oversees optimising and improving the overall performance of the data pipeline. Because software engineers rely on data engineering to store, consolidate, and retrieve data required for their applications, data engineers need to possess technical expertise, assure crucial infrastructure, and ensure maximum availability, efficacy, and security of data.
This presentation should not lead to confusion between data engineering and database administration. We normally consider data engineers to have a thorough understanding of the information within the system with which they work.
The database administrator directs and performs activities related to keeping a successful database environment. The database administrator is more familiar with the database management platform, but the data engineer is familiar with the data and the end-to-end data pipeline infrastructure.
Key skills for data engineers: Computer science, maths, programming, data modelling, database systems, data warehousing, basic machine learning knowledge, logical thinking, written and verbal communication, and teamwork.
Tools and frameworks used by data engineers: Spark, Hadoop, Kafka, Airflow, Hive, SQL, NoSQL and programming languages such as Python, Java, Scala and Go.
The professions related to data engineering are data analytics, database specialists, big data engineering, and data science.
What is Software Engineering?
Software is a collection of diverse programs that execute one or more tasks on a computer. This set of instructions or programs is used to create application software like calculators, web browsers, and computer games.
A software engineer applies the principles and methodologies of software engineering to design, develop and maintain computer software. Although software engineering focuses on the software, software engineers with database abilities can create high-quality solutions for businesses that demand fast data retrieval and communication.
Software developers, as far as they are concerned, use software development tools to develop web applications, mobile applications, and desktop applications.
Key skills for software engineers: Software development, object-oriented design, software testing, logical thinking, written and verbal communication, and teamwork.
Tools and frameworks used by software engineers: Django, React, Flask, .NET, Spring Boot, SQL and programming languages such as Python, Javascript, C# and Java.
The professions related to software engineering are applications development, game development, Information systems, IT consulting, quality assurance, systems engineering and network engineering.
Conclusion
Data engineers and software engineers both apply engineering principles during the planning, analysis, design, implementation, and maintenance of a system. They usually work in a team and collaborate with professionals from other disciplines to tackle innovative challenges and propose solutions to business problems.
A background in mathematics, statistics, computer science, information technology, engineering, data analysis and programming are relevant skills in both professions.
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