>> Does anyone really hold software developers to the same standards as licensed professions (laywers, accountants, doctors, professional engineers etc.)?
I don't know. But if electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, and software engineer are all working to build a jet, it would seem reasonable to expect the same diligence from them all.
>> I have to be careful never to refer to myself as a "professional"
You're a professional if you make a living at it.
"A professional is a person who is engaged in a certain activity, or occupation, for gain or compensation as means of livelihood; such as a permanent career, not as an amateur or pastime."
UPDATE:
BTW, licensing helps only if there's a reliable way to determine competence. Arguably, different areas of programming could be considered different fields of expertise.
There is a difference between the lay definition of "professional" and the legal or regulatory definition in some jurisdictions.
In many contexts a "professional" occupation is one that is governed either by the government or a self-regulating body. Accountants, electricians, doctors, lawyers, engineers, etc.
>> In many contexts a "professional" occupation is one that is governed either by the government or a self-regulating body. Accountants, electricians, doctors, lawyers, engineers, etc.
True, but as I edited my comment to say, these bodies can be self-serving as easily as they can serve the public. People already working in a field can inflate their wages by making it harder to enter that field.
That's one use of the term - in the UK (especially amongst people who are professionally qualified) the term often has a narrower meaning.
This doesn't give me any problems! And I am NOT suggesting it is appropriate for general development (although it probably is in a very narrow range of domains - e.g. safety critical systems).
I don't know. But if electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, and software engineer are all working to build a jet, it would seem reasonable to expect the same diligence from them all.
>> I have to be careful never to refer to myself as a "professional"
You're a professional if you make a living at it.
"A professional is a person who is engaged in a certain activity, or occupation, for gain or compensation as means of livelihood; such as a permanent career, not as an amateur or pastime."
UPDATE:
BTW, licensing helps only if there's a reliable way to determine competence. Arguably, different areas of programming could be considered different fields of expertise.
Licensing can also be harmful to a field. See http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/17/magazine/so-you-think-you-...
If you had to get a software license to build a web site for your local soccer club, that would make it very hard to get started programming.