Do you need to be an excellent computer programmer to be an engineer?

Answer 1

No. There are many engineering jobs, even among those closely associated with computer programming, that require little programming skills. However, every modern engineer will need to handle complex technical computer programs, which often include a programming-like aspect.

For example, a civil engineer designing bridges does not normally need computer programming skills per se, but will use modelling software and mathematical software packages to design and test the design through simulation.

Many of the more senior software-related engineers may not, or no longer, be excellent programmers in terms of knowing every aspect of the programming environment inside out. The task of such a person is to understand complexities on a larger scheme, work out solutions and specify those while others, often more junior programmers, will need excellent programming skills to implement these solutions correctly and efficiently.

Few, if any, present day engineering jobs will come without requirements for programming and mathematics, but the required proficiency varies.

Answer 2

In a nutshell, no. Computer hardware engineers are concerned with the 'mechanical' operation of computers (hard drives, monitors, keyboards etc) whereas software engineers (aka software developers, aka programmers) are concerned with running applications on the computer. A good analogy would be a car mechanic versus a car driver.

Answer 3

Being a software engineer is a fairly broad job description, and programming is not the only job that falls under that umbrella. For example, testing beta software or designing software for programmers to code are two things you could do that don't require any actual programming experience.

Answer 4

No. "Computer literate" refers to having some more basic skills, such as would be expected from a person who regularly uses a computer, but is not a programmer. For example, nowadays that might include managing files and folders, basic word processing, basic spreadsheet operations, handling email, browsing the internet, and some other rather simple (i.e., not very "technical") skills.