Computer Science & Software Engineering Code of Ethics

Software engineers shall commit themselves to making the analysis, specification, design, development, testing, and maintenance of software a beneficial and respected profession. In accordance with their commitment to the health, safety, and welfare of the public, software engineers shall adhere to the following Principles:

• Public: Software engineers shall act consistently with the public interest.
• Client and Employer: Software engineers shall act in a manner that is in the best interests of their client and employer consistent with the public interest.
• Product: Software engineers shall ensure their products and related modifications meet the highest professional standards possible.
• Judgment: Software engineers shall maintain integrity and independence in their professional judgment.
• Management: Software engineering managers and leaders shall subscribe to and promote an ethical approach to the management of software development and maintenance.
• Profession: Software engineers shall advance the integrity and reputation of the profession consistent with the public interest.
• Colleagues: Software engineers shall be fair to and supportive of their colleagues.
• Self: Software engineers shall participate in lifelong learning regarding the practice of their profession and shall promote an ethical approach to the practice of the profession.
  
  The Code instructs practitioners about the standards that society expects them to meet, and what their peers strive for and expect of each other.
  
  Ref: Communications of the ACM, Volume 42, Number 10 (1999), Pages 102-108