Exploring the Challenges of Hybrid Software with Quantum Design Patterns

David Valencia, José Manuel García-Alonso, Javier Rojo +3 more

Lingyi Zhou, Sen Huang, Xuezhong Wu

Michał Bączyk, Ricardo Pérez‐Castillo, Mario G. Piattini

Quantum software engineering (QSE) has emerged as a discipline to address the challenges associated with developing software systems in the context of advancing quantum computing technology. This paper explores architectural design patterns specific to QSE. Building on previous work highlighting the need for high-level patterns, we analyze emerging architectural approaches in quantum computing. We identify key challenges unique to hybrid quantum-classical systems and propose a preliminary taxonomy of QSE architectural patterns. These patterns address recurring design problems in areas such as quantum resource management and classical-quantum integration. We describe several potential patterns and discuss their theoretical applications in hybrid software systems. This work aims to provide a foundation for further research into standardizing QSE architectural practices, with the goal of enhancing various quality characteristics of hybrid software (e.g., modularity or maintainability) in the NISQ era and beyond.

Michał Bączyk, Ricardo Pérez‐Castillo, Mario G. Piattini

As quantum computing continues to advance, the development of reliable and scalable quantum software systems becomes increasingly crucial. However, designing and implementing hybrid (quantum-classical) software systems poses unique challenges that require novel approaches and best practices. This position paper argues for the importance of developing architectural and design patterns specific to Quantum Software Engineering (QSE). We provide an overview of existing quantum software design patterns (more focused on low-level, programming details) and highlight the lack of patterns addressing hybrid software systems and architectural patterns. We discuss the key challenges that architectural patterns should address, including quantum-classical integration, maintainability, efficiency, and security. We also discuss the implications for practitioners, providing guidance on how to think high-level about hybrid software development process. Finally, we outline future research directions and emphasize the need for collaboration between the quantum computing and software engineering communities to establish a comprehensive high-level patterns framework for QSE.

Tao Yue, Wolfgang Mauerer, Shaukat Ali +1 more

Miriam Fernández-Osuna, Ricardo Pérez‐Castillo, José A. Cruz-Lemus +2 more

Abstract Quantum computing holds great promise for solving complex problems that classical computing cannot address, with applications in various industries and sectors. However, developing efficient quantum software remains a challenge. Quantum software engineering (QSE) has emerged to address this, adapting classical software engineering practices for quantum systems. Design patterns, widely used in classical software, can provide reusable solutions for common quantum development issues, but their use in quantum software remains underexplored. This paper presents an empirical study investigating the use of design patterns in 2610 Qiskit programs from GitHub. Using the QCPD Tool to detect four design patterns (initialization, superposition, entanglement, and oracle) and QMetrics to compute software metrics, the study creates a dataset linking patterns with code characteristics. Three research questions guide the study: RQ1 examines the prevalence of design patterns in quantum software, RQ2 explores the relationship between design patterns and code metrics, and RQ3 analyzes the combinations of patterns that occur together. The findings provide insights into quantum software development, offering developers practical guidance on applying specific patterns. The results contribute to QSE by revealing key relationships between patterns and metrics, which can inform future research and tool development. These findings support improved performance, maintainability, and scalability, fostering the broader adoption of quantum computing.