The Pixy Cam is a good alternative for roboticists that are looking for a low cost, low power image sensor but plan on doing most of their programming on the host. In this case, the system can handle some of the heavy lifting video processing.
Work Environment. A software engineer often works as part of a team, usually in an office or similar location. Many engineers work full time, often 40 or more hours per week, with additional time required during certain phases of the development cycle. Long hours at a computer can lead to eye strain, headaches, and medical conditions like carpal-tunnel syndrome, so anyone getting into programming should learn to take breaks and make an effort to avoid such potentially serious issues.
Software Applications Developers. Applications developers are software engineers who design games and other programs. According to the BLS, they tended to earn slightly less than hardware and systems software engineers: an average of $44.85 an hour and $93,280 a year as of 2012.oftware Applications Developers. Applications developers are software engineers who design games and other programs. According to the BLS, they tended to earn slightly less than hardware and systems software engineers: an average of $44.85 an hour and $93,280 a year as of 2012.