[avg_dev]

Where I live, most software developers are not legally allowed to call themselves software engineers (engineering is licensed by regulatory body). Still, many do call themselves that and so do their employers. But in my view, "I don't really care until we can start coding" is not actually engineering at all.

[harrall]

I’m not sure why you are making a point about engineering certification.

It’s not like physical products are immune to this problem. I could list you a billion poorly designed products that don’t seem to meet the correct requirements.

At the end of the day, some people just like to build stuff without understanding who they are building for. It could be because they like engineering. It could be because they think they will make money because “people will come if you build it.” Both strategies make poor solutions.

When it should be “the users have these specific problems and the product should make their life easier.”

[worik]

> developers are not legally allowed to call themselves software engineers

How about "Solution Architect"?

I think a collection of nonsense job titles for computer programmers would be fun...

[Nevermark]

Every Solution Architect should have at least seven Framework Framers and two Data Plumbers supporting them, to give the title its proper gravitas.

[t43562]

I've come across some terrible programs written by almost-to-be-certified engineers :-) - lots of embedded constants and special cases.

I am perfectly happy to be called a "programmer" though. IMO that's a very adequate description and honourable. No need to steal anyone else's glory.

[drewcoo]

Where I live we require a license for barbering and cosmetology. Apparently there are illegal haircuts. I have never heard of the hair police but I'm sure that people complain about it in fora.