Introduces readers to what software engineers do, the different kinds of software they develop, notable engineers in the field, and the future of software engineering.

Includes index.

Software behind the scenes -- What is software? -- From laboratories to desktops -- Talking in code -- What makes it engineering? -- Step by step -- Software takes us to the moon -- The making of Microsoft -- Inventing the World Wide Web -- Searching for success -- Becoming a software engineer -- Software engineering careers -- The future of software engineering.