What is the difference between a Platform Engineer and a Software Engineer?

A Software Engineer primarily focuses on building applications that deliver direct value to end users, such as web apps, APIs, or mobile software. A Platform Engineer, in contrast, builds and maintains the internal systems, tools, and environments that support the development, deployment, and operation of those applications. While both roles require strong coding skills, Platform Engineers concentrate on automation, scalability, and infrastructure—enabling Software Engineers to focus on product features.