Software Engineering is More than Just Code

All this stuff can probably be automated, but it's a good reminder of everything we have to do to create GOOD Code.

Aside from coding itself, software engineering involves:

• Project scoping: Defining what the software will do, and the processes it will follow in order to get it done, including setting safety guardrails.

• Architecture: Defining the different elements that come together to create the tool, and how they all fit together.

• User interface and user experience design: Designing the interface that users will interact with the software through, and ensuring that using it is as streamlined and friction-free as possible.

• Data engineering: Structuring and managing the flow of data through the tool.

• Testing: Ensuring that errors and unexpected user behavior are handled correctly.

• Version control and documentation: Tracking changes and updates to the code as it’s developed.

While AI can generate code quickly, understanding these other aspects of software engineering is essential if we want to turn that code into tools that are coherent, usable and trustworthy.

Source: Why Vibe Coders Still Need To Think Like Software Engineers