Or what is embedded?
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Embedded software specifically refers to software that’s delivered with devices: on a DVD player, in a garage door opener, in a thermostat, etc. It’s different from more general software engineering because you’re restricted in different ways: these devices typically have less memory, different processors, different hardware, different displays, maybe no network card, etc.
Software engineering is a very broad term that includes embedded software engineering, which is a specialization. It’s sort of like the difference between a “doctor” and “oncologist.”
Embedded software is software for things people don’t usually think of as computers: think thermostats (basic ones, not smart ones), kitchen appliances, toys, etc. These tend to have very domain-specific hardware and limited computing power. Whereas normal software engineers have the power of full machines at their disposal, embedded engineers have to keep in mind the limited CPU power and memory they have to work with. Wasted resources are a much greater problem on a toaster than on a gaming PC, for example.
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