Background. In the realm of software engineering, there are widely accepted guidelines for reporting and creating laboratory packages. Unfortunately, the landscape differs considerably in the emerging field of quantum computing. To the best of our knowledge, no standardized guidelines exist for describing experiments or outlining the necessary structures for quantum software laboratory packages. Aims. This paper endeavors to enhance the replicability and verifiability of quantum software experiments. Method. This objective is pursued through the proposition of guidelines for reporting and the delineation of a structure for laboratory packages tailored to quantum computing experiments. Specifically, we advocate for an extension and adaption of established guidelines in experimental software engineering, integrating novel elements to address the specific requirements of quantum software engineering. Results. In validating the utility and effectiveness of the proposed guidelines, we conducted a review encompassing 11 works (5 focusing on reporting guidelines and 6 on laboratory packages). In particular, this review highlighted the absence of standardized guidelines and structure of laboratory packages for quantum software experiments. Conclusions. Our assessment revealed gaps in information and opportunities for enhancement within the evaluated papers and laboratory packages. Our proposal contributes to the advancement of quantum software engineering research, taking a fundamental step toward fostering rigorous and reliable scientific research in this emerging paradigm.
Background. In the realm of software engineering, there are widely accepted guidelines for reporting and creating laboratory packages. Unfortunately, the landscape differs considerably in the emerging field of quantum computing. To the best of our knowledge, no standardized guidelines exist for describing experiments or outlining the necessary structures for quantum software laboratory packages. Aims. This paper endeavors to enhance the replicability and verifiability of quantum software experiments. Method. This objective is pursued through the proposition of guidelines for reporting and the delineation of a structure for laboratory packages tailored to quantum computing experiments. Specifically, we advocate for an extension and adaption of established guidelines in experimental software engineering, integrating novel elements to address the specific requirements of quantum software engineering. Results. In validating the utility and effectiveness of the proposed guidelines, we conducted a review encompassing 11 works (5 focusing on reporting guidelines and 6 on laboratory packages). In particular, this review highlighted the absence of standardized guidelines and structure of laboratory packages for quantum software experiments. Conclusions. Our assessment revealed gaps in information and opportunities for enhancement within the evaluated papers and laboratory packages. Our proposal contributes to the advancement of quantum software engineering research, taking a fundamental step toward fostering rigorous and reliable scientific research in this emerging paradigm.
Replicability and verifiability of empirical results are the cornerstones of scientific endeavor. In the specific area of software engineering, there are widely accepted guidelines for reporting and creating laboratory packages. However, in the realm of quantum computing, the landscape is remarkably different. Current practices in quantum computing involve complex and disparate computing architectures, and, to the best of our knowledge, there exists a notable absence of tailored guidelines for reporting and assembling laboratory packages specific to quantum computing experiments. This gap presents significant challenges to achieving replicability and verifiability in quantum computing research. Addressing this need, our paper introduces a comprehensive framework for reporting software experiments in the quantum computing domain. It adapts Jedlitschka's widely recognized reporting guidelines to the unique requirements of quantum computing. Furthermore, we propose an innovative structure for laboratory packages, synthesizing the methodologies of Guevara et al., and Solari et al., with additional elements tailored to the specificities of quantum computing experiments. This dual approach aims to enhance the replicability and verifiability of experiments in this cutting-edge field, fostering the rigorous and reliable scientific inquiry of quantum software engineering.
Various fields of science face a reproducibility crisis. For quantum software engineering as an emerging field, it is therefore imminent to focus on proper reproducibility engineering from the start. Yet the provision of reproduction packages is almost universally lacking. Actionable advice on how to build such packages is rare, particularly unfortunate in a field with many contributions from researchers with backgrounds outside computer science. In this article, we argue how to rectify this deficiency by proposing a 1-2-3 approach to reproducibility engineering for quantum software experiments: Using a meta-generation mechanism, we generate DOI-safe, long-term functioning and dependency-free reproduction packages. They are designed to satisfy the requirements of professional and learned societies solely on the basis of project-specific research artefacts (source code, measurement and configuration data), and require little temporal investment by researchers. Our scheme ascertains long-term traceability even when the quantum processor itself is no longer accessible. By drastically lowering the technical bar, we foster the proliferation of reproduction packages in quantum software experiments and ease the inclusion of non-CS researchers entering the field.
Quantum Computing is a new paradigm that enables several advances which are impossible using classical technology. With the rise of quantum computers, the software is also invited to change so that it can better fit this new computation way. However, although a lot of research is being conducted in the quantum computing field, it is still scarce studies about the differences of the software and software engineering in this new context. Therefore, this article presents a systematic mapping study to present a wide review on the particularities and characteristics of software that are developed for quantum computers. A total of 24 papers were selected using digital libraries with the objective of answering three research questions elaborated in the conduct of this research.
Context: Quantum software development is a complex and intricate process that diverges significantly from traditional software development. Quantum computing and quantum software are deeply entangled with quantum mechanics, which introduces a different level of abstraction and a deep dependence on quantum physical properties. The classical requirements engineering methods must be adapted to encompass the essential quantum features in this new paradigm. Aim: This study aims to systematically identify and analyze challenges, opportunities, developments, and new lines of research in requirements engineering for quantum computing. Method: We conducted a systematic literature review, including three research questions. This study included 105 papers published from 2017 to 2024. Results: The main results include the identification of problems associated with defining specific requirements for quantum software and hybrid system requirements. In addition, we identified challenges related to the absence of standards for quantum requirements engineering. Finally, we can see the advances in developing programming languages and simulation tools for developing software in hybrid systems. Conclusions: This study presents the challenges and opportunities in quantum computing requirements engineering, emphasizing the need for new methodologies and tools. It proposes a roadmap for future research to develop a standardized framework, contributing to theoretical foundations and practical applications.
As quantum computing transitions from a theoretical domain to a practical technology, many aspects of established practice in software engineering are being faced with new challenges. Quantum Software Engineering has been developed to address the peculiar needs that arise with quantum systems’ dependable, scalable, and fault-tolerant software development. The present paper critically reviews how traditional software engineering methodologies can be reshaped to fit into the quantum field. This also entails providing some critical contributions: frameworks to integrate classical and quantum systems, new error mitigation techniques, and the development of quantum-specific testing and debugging tools. In this respect, best practices have been recommended to ensure that future quantum software can harness the evolving capabilities of quantum hardware with continued performance, reliability, and scalability. The work is supposed to act as a foundational guide for the researcher and developer as quantum computing approaches widespread scientific and industrial adoption.
The quantum computing (QC) field is rapidly moving beyond the realm of pure science to become a commercially viable technology that may be able to overcome the drawbacks of traditional computing. Major technology tycoons have spent in building coding frameworks and hardware to create applications specifically designed for quantum computing over the last few years. The development of QC hardware is accelerating, however, the requirement for software-intensive methodology, approaches, procedures, instruments, roles and responsibilities for creating industrial-focused quantum software applications arises from operationalizing the QC. This paper outlines the concept of quantum software engineering (QSE) life cycle, which entails the engineering of quantum requirements, design, implementation, testing and maintenance of quantum software. This paper notably advocates for collaborative efforts between the industrial community and software engineering research to propose practical solutions to support the complete activities for the development of quantum software. The proposed vision makes it easier for researchers and practitioners to suggest new procedures, reference designs, cutting-edge equipment, and methods for utilizing quantum computers and creating the newest and most advanced quantum software.