Quantum computing environments are composed of heterogeneous layers spanning hardware, software development kits, and applications. Practitioners curating these environments face a fragmented and rapidly evolving landscape with few principled guides for navigation. This paper presents a framework for evaluating quantum computing environment choices through a socio-technical lens, developed using Design Science Research methodology. Drawing on the quantum software engineering literature as well as organizational and socio-technical research, the framework introduces three analytical constructs: gravity wells and their properties, which characterize how certain technologies and structural conditions exert increasing pull on surrounding environment choices, and socio-technical desiderata, which articulate the normative goals against which those pulls can be evaluated. The framework supports practitioners in making deliberate, context-aware environment choices that preserve architectural flexibility and support the evolutionary development of the field. Demonstration and evaluation of the framework is conducted through exemplary cases. The contribution advances both the theory of quantum ecosystems and the practical guidance available to organizations and practitioners navigating the current, evolving field of quantum computing.
Quantum computing environments are composed of heterogeneous layers spanning hardware, software development kits, and applications. Practitioners curating these environments face a fragmented and rapidly evolving landscape with few principled guides for navigation. This paper presents a framework for evaluating quantum computing environment choices through a socio-technical lens, developed using Design Science Research methodology. Drawing on the quantum software engineering literature as well as organizational and socio-technical research, the framework introduces three analytical constructs: gravity wells and their properties, which characterize how certain technologies and structural conditions exert increasing pull on surrounding environment choices, and socio-technical desiderata, which articulate the normative goals against which those pulls can be evaluated. The framework supports practitioners in making deliberate, context-aware environment choices that preserve architectural flexibility and support the evolutionary development of the field. Demonstration and evaluation of the framework is conducted through exemplary cases. The contribution advances both the theory of quantum ecosystems and the practical guidance available to organizations and practitioners navigating the current, evolving field of quantum computing.
Quantum computing represents one of the most transformative technological shifts in computational science since the advent of classical computing architectures. This systematic literature review (SLR) synthesizes 212 peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2024 to map the current landscape of quantum computing research as it intersects with software development practices, tools, frameworks, and methodologies. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched six major academic databases and identified relevant literature through a rigorous multi-stage screening process. Our analysis reveals five dominant research themes: quantum algorithm development and software frameworks, quantum machine learning integration, quantum cryptography and security applications, quantum software testing and verification, and hybrid quantum-classical software architectures. We further document major challenges including hardware decoherence, limited qubit availability, the absence of mature quantum DevOps pipelines, and a critical shortage of quantum-competent software engineers. The review concludes with a structured research agenda identifying six high-priority gaps where future scholarly work is most urgently needed. This paper provides a foundational reference for software engineers, researchers, and technology strategists seeking to understand and navigate the rapidly evolving quantum software ecosystem.
Abstract Quantum computing is an emerging field in which theoretical principles are being transformed into practical applications, largely due to the efforts of the developer community. In order to ensure that quantum software engineering continues to advance, it is vital to understand the experiences, challenges, and aspirations of developers. This chapter is a continuation of our previous work, which provided a comprehensive survey exploring the adoption patterns and common challenges in quantum software engineering. In addition to the survey, we conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with practitioners in the field to gain a deeper and more detailed understanding of their perspectives. Through the interviews and survey findings, we have gained nuanced insights into the motivations, hurdles, and outlook of developers toward the rapidly evolving quantum computing landscape. We describe the research methodology in detail, including the tools and techniques used, in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the research process. Furthermore, we present critical insights from both the survey and interviews, enriching the narrative with fresh perspectives obtained from the post-publication interviews. This chapter is a blend of academic investigation and real-world practitioner insights, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of quantum software engineering. By illuminating the path for future research and development in this dynamic field, we hope to guide the way toward continued progress and innovation.
Context: Quantum Computing (QC) systems exploit the characteristics of quantum mechanics to perform computationally demanding tasks more effectually than their classical counterparts. To utilize the full potential of QC systems, Quantum Software Engineering (QSE) has emerged to manage the challenges of quantum software development. Problem: Due to the lack of awareness of QC problem domains and their associated factors to consider and apply QC in the Software Engineering (SE) process, the development of a QC system becomes complex and less cost effective if without a guidance for software engineers. Objective: The proposed work aims to develop a systematic decision-making framework to help identify the quantum problem domains and prioritize the critical factors to be considered for the application of QC during the software development life cycle (SDLC). Method: The proposed method is implemented in two folds. First, a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) is performed to identify a set of QC problem domains and their associated factors that should be accounted for in the SE process. Second, an online survey is conducted to collect insights on the same aspects from practitioners in their SE processes to form another set of data. Finally, the relationships of the two sets are validated through careful mappings with the assistance of domain experts. Results: Five problem domains and six factors are classified by the proposed methodology, and some of them will benefit from a QC-based solution in the SE process. The results indicate that "Algorithm Development" and "Language Development" are two potential problem domains to apply a QC-based solution. For these two domains, "Current Hardware Limitations", "Standardized Coding Practices" and "Software Specialization/Adaptation" are the critical factors to be considered during the SE process. Conclusion: Organizations and QSE community can take advantage of the identified problem domains and their associated factors to make decisions in the recommendation of QC-based solutions.
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.
Quantum computing, grounded in principles such as superposition and entanglement, is revolutionising the design, testing, and understanding of software. While the community is working on its technical challenges, the human and collaborative aspects have received little attention. This vision paper outlines a research agenda for human-centred quantum software engineering (HC-QSE). Building on current QSE foundations, the agenda spans three interrelated themes: understanding practice, designing support, and embedding responsibility. The first calls for studying how interdisciplinary teams construct and share mental models of quantum behaviour, collaborate across disciplinary boundaries, and reason under uncertainty inherent in probabilistic computation. The second focuses on creating tools, workflows, and learning environments that enhance comprehension, interpretability, and shared accountability among practitioners, educators, and learners. The third integrates ethical reflection and equity considerations into the design and governance of quantum software ecosystems. By centering human experience within QSE, this agenda encourages cooperative, reflective, and ethically grounded approaches to building quantum software.
Abstract The rapid advancements in quantum computing necessitate a scientific and rigorous approach to the construction of a corresponding software ecosystem, a topic underexplored and primed for systematic investigation. This chapter takes an important step in this direction. It presents scientific considerations essential for building a quantum software ecosystem that makes quantum computing available for scientific and industrial problem-solving. Central to this discourse is the concept of hardware–software co-design, which fosters a bidirectional feedback loop from the application layer at the top of the software stack down to the hardware. This approach begins with compilers and low-level software that are specifically designed to align with the unique specifications and constraints of the quantum processor, proceeds with algorithms developed with a clear understanding of underlying hardware and computational model features, and extends to applications that effectively leverage the capabilities to achieve a quantum advantage. We analyze the ecosystem from two critical perspectives: the conceptual view, focusing on theoretical foundations, and the technical infrastructure, addressing practical implementations around real quantum devices necessary for a functional ecosystem. This approach ensures that the focus is toward promising applications with optimized algorithm–circuit synergy, while ensuring a user-friendly design, an effective data management, and an overall orchestration. This chapter thus offers a guide to the essential concepts and practical strategies necessary for developing a scientifically grounded quantum software ecosystem.