If the person is calling themselves a “software developer” instead of a “software engineer” then they almost certainly live some place where “engineer” is a restricted term.
It’s somewhat restricted. You can’t hold yourself out as a civil engineer without passing the exam, for example. For made up jobs like software “engineer” there are no rules — it’s like the FDA with regard to actual food vs. supplements.
Check the law where you live. Engineer is in many places a restricted profession like lawyer or doctor.
It’s not restricted in the US.
If the person is calling themselves a “software developer” instead of a “software engineer” then they almost certainly live some place where “engineer” is a restricted term.
It’s somewhat restricted. You can’t hold yourself out as a civil engineer without passing the exam, for example. For made up jobs like software “engineer” there are no rules — it’s like the FDA with regard to actual food vs. supplements.