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.
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.
Context: Quantum computing (QC) represents a paradigm shift in computational capabilities, presenting unique challenges in requirements engineering (RE). The complexity of quantum systems and rapid technological advancements necessitate a comprehensive understanding of the current state and future trajectories in RE for QC. Objective: A protocol for carrying out a systematic literature review about the evidence for identifying and analyzing the challenges in RE for QC software. It seeks to evaluate the current methodologies employed in this domain and propose a forward-looking perspective on the evolution of these methodologies to meet future industry and academic needs. Method: This protocol employs a structured approach to search and analyze relevant literature systematically, according to Barbara Kitchenham's guidelines. Results: A validated protocol to conduct a systematic review. The protocol is expected to yield diverse literature spanning theoretical frameworks, empirical studies, and methodological advancements in RE for QC. It will highlight the current challenges, opportunities, and future directions, offering insights into the field's academic and practical aspects. Conclusions: The systematic review aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the RE landscape in QC. It will offer valuable insights for academic researchers, industry professionals, software engineers, industry analysts, and educators, shaping the future discourse in QC development.
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.
The increasing maturity of Quantum Computing (QC) and quantum hardware hasbrought Quantum Software Design (QSD) into focus as a distinct research concernwithin Quantum Software Engineering (QSE), yet no prior study has systematicallymapped its approaches, challenges, and opportunities. This thesis addresses thatgap through two complementary research phases: a Systematic Literature Review(SLR) of 32 studies published between 2006 and 2025, and semi-structured inter-views with four domain experts. Both phases confirm that quantum-classical hybrid design is the dominant approach in current QSD research, and that the adaptationof classical tools, particularly Unified Modeling Language (UML) and Model-DrivenEngineering (MDE), is the primary methodological strategy. Hardware-software co-design is identified as a necessary design concern under Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) constraints; two further directions absent from the published liter-ature were identified by practitioners: AI-assisted QSD and self-adaptive quantumsystems. The challenge analysis reveals a potential causal sequence of challenges in the field. Human resources challenges, specifically, the bidirectional knowledge gap between software engineers and quantum computing researchers, emerge exclusively from the interviews and are absent from all 32 reviewed studies. MDE is the most convergent near-term opportunity, and the formalization of human resources and educational pathways represents a new research direction not addressed in the existing literature.
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 computing is becoming a reality, and quantum software engineering (QSE) is emerging as a new discipline to enable developers to design and develop quantum programs. Objective. This paper presents a systematic mapping study of the current state of QSE research, aiming to identify the most investigated topics, the types and number of studies, the main reported results, and the most studied quantum computing tools/frameworks. Additionally, the study aims to explore the research community's interest in QSE, how it has evolved, and any prior contributions to the discipline before its formal introduction through the Talavera Manifesto. Method. We searched for relevant articles in several databases and applied inclusion and exclusion criteria to select the most relevant studies. After evaluating the quality of the selected resources, we extracted relevant data from the primary studies and analyzed them. Results. We found that QSE research has primarily focused on software testing, with little attention given to other topics, such as software engineering management. The most commonly studied technology for techniques and tools is Qiskit, although, in most studies, either multiple or none specific technologies were employed. The researchers most interested in QSE are interconnected through direct collaborations, and several strong collaboration clusters have been identified. Most articles in QSE have been published in non-thematic venues, with a preference for conferences. Conclusions. The study's implications are providing a centralized source of information for researchers and practitioners in the field, facilitating knowledge transfer, and contributing to the advancement and growth of QSE.
Quantum computing is rapidly emerging as a transformative force poised to redefine the foundations of software engineering. By leveraging quantum mechanical phenomena such as superposition, entanglement, and interference, quantum computers offer the potential to solve complex problems far beyond the reach of classical systems. This paper explores the multifaceted impact of quantum computing on software engineering, focusing on key areas including quantum algorithms, cryptography, programming paradigms, and application domains. It examines how quantum algorithms like Shor's and Grover's promise significant computational speedups, threatening classical encryption schemes and prompting the rise of post-quantum cryptography. The paper also analyzes the challenges of quantum programming, including steep learning curves, limited hardware access, and the need for new development tools and testing frameworks. These challenges highlight the current limitations of quantum technology, such as hardware instability and scalability issues. As quantum hardware evolves, the integration of hybrid quantum-classical systems is identified as a practical approach for near-term applications in areas such as drug discovery, finance, and optimization. The paper further discusses ethical considerations, such as equitable access to quantum resources and privacy concerns, alongside potential societal impacts to ensure responsible innovation. It underscores the need for future advancements in education, standardization, and hybrid systems to bridge the gap between current limitations and quantum computing’s potential. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of educational reform, standardization, and ethical considerations in preparing the software engineering community for a quantum-driven future.