What Do Software Engineers Do on a Daily Basis?

First, what do software engineers actually do? Software engineers work with software, which is the instructions that computers utilize. To create software, these people employ programming talents, platforms, architecture, and other resources. 

Software engineers are also responsible for software performance, whether it is speed, optimization, or the development of a new component.

During a typical day, a software developer might:

• Code a component of a software application.
• Perform tests to confirm that the software functions as planned.
• Review code from another developer. Optimize program speed and performance.
• Listen to the client or organization to understand which new features they want.
• Stay up to date with software technology and improvements

While software engineers often work alone on their code, 90% of them contact members of their team at least once each week, according to Stack Overflow's 2023 Developer Survey. 

Software Engineer Jobs by Engineer Type

The specific daily project of a software engineer varies depending on the form of software engineer you are. For instance, a few engineers may additionally cognizance greater on checking out the software to make certain that it works, however others would collaborate with designers to make sure that the software appears appropriate to the consumer.

There are numerous kinds of software engineers, which includes:

• Front-cease engineers paintings on the front give up on software, or the components that users can see.
• Back-end engineers work at the back end of software programs and are in charge of records management, performance, and records processing.
• Security engineers awareness on the security of software, ensuring that the device is secured from cyberattacks.

A Day in the Life of a Software Engineer: Engineering Manager

Let’s take an example of John Mathews. John Mathews is an engineering manager of Forage, an education technology startup. His work combines traditional software engineering tasks, such as coding, with certain managerial responsibilities associated with a more senior position. 

What are the tasks you work on every day?

Mathew's key objectives are to help improve the company's core product, optimize site speed, and increase site monitoring.

Some of his typical tasks are:

• Reviewing Code
• Writing code.
• Working with his team to prioritize and develop task tickets
• Exploring engineering enhancements for the team and the product
• Working cross-functionally with the product team

Who do you work with?

Joe collaborates closely with software developers, quality assurance engineers (QAs), product managers, directors, vice presidents, designers, and data analysts. He meets with each group at least once a week, and the meeting subjects vary based on how he is collaborating. Meetings with software engineers, for example, could be standups to discuss progress updates, whereas meetings with VPs and cross-functional team members could be more strategic in nature.

What tools and skills do you use?

Because there are various sorts of software engineers, the tools and abilities required vary depending on the section of the software on which they work. Mathew works on the software's backend, data, and infrastructure. The tools and abilities for this job include:

• Programming languages: TypeScript, Bash, SQL, NoSQL, and a bit of Python
• Libraries and frameworks: React, Meteor, NextJs, and Serverless
• Networking: Cloudflare and AWS services
• Integrated development environments (IDE): VSCode and Vim
• Code management and pipeline automation: Git and GitHub
• Workflow management: Jira
• Working with designers: Figma
• Communicating with team members: Slack, Loom, Email, Zoom, Google Meets

Mathew must be extraordinarily organized and strategy-oriented in order to manage all of these tools and talents while meeting goals and leading a team. Mathew establishes a daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly vision for success and understands exactly what success means for himself and the team, including quantitative measurements.

Mathew, as a manager with greater experience than a junior engineer, takes full responsibility for that achievement, focusing on continual improvement and iteration. He frequently examines how he and the team reached (or didn't meet) goals, solicits comments, and coaches his teammates.