Advancing Quantum Software Engineering: A Vision of Hybrid Full-Stack Iterative Model
Arif Ali Khan, Davide Taibi, Muhammad Azeem Akbar
TL;DR
The paper addresses the challenge of developing reliable quantum software in the face of disparate toolchains and the need to integrate quantum and classical computing. It proposes a DevOps-inspired Hybrid Full-Stack Iterative Quantum Software Development Model that spans quantum-agnostic coding, testing, cloud services, orchestration, translation, execution, and interpretation to enable traditional developers to contribute without deep QC expertise. Its main contributions are the structured lifecycle, a concrete execution roadmap leveraging existing frameworks (e.g., Qiskit, Cirq, QDK, Jenkins, Kubernetes), and the emphasis on accessibility and scalability within Quantum Software Engineering (QSE). This approach aims to accelerate practical quantum software development and foster broader adoption across industries by reducing the barrier to entry and enabling continuous, iterative improvement across the quantum-classical boundary.
Abstract
This paper introduces a vision for Quantum Software Development lifecycle, proposing a hybrid full-stack iterative model that integrates quantum and classical computing. Addressing the current challenges in Quantum Computing (QC) such as the need for integrating diverse programming languages and managing the complexities of quantum-classical systems, this model is rooted in the principles of DevOps and continuous software engineering. It presents a comprehensive lifecycle for quantum software development, encompassing quantum-agnostic coding, testing, deployment, cloud computing services, orchestration, translation, execution, and interpretation phases. Each phase is designed to accommodate the unique demands of QC, enabling traditional software developers to engage with QC environments without needing in-depth QC expertise. The paper presents a detailed implementation roadmap, utilizing a range of existing tools and frameworks, thereby making quantum software development more accessible and efficient. The proposed model not only addresses current challenges in quantum software development but also makes a substantial contribution to the field of Quantum Software Engineering (QSE). By proposing a structured and accessible model, it sets the stage for further advancements and research in QSE, enhancing its practicality and relevance in a wide range of applications.