IEEE International Conference on Quantum Software (QSW)
Quantum Software Experiments: A Reporting and Laboratory Package Structure Guidelines Proposal
Enrique Moguel, José Antonio Parejo, Antonio Ruiz–Cortés, José Manuel García-Alonso, Juan M. Murillo
Abstract
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.