Architecture decisions in quantum software systems: An empirical study on Stack Exchange and GitHub

Abstract

Context:

Quantum computing provides a new dimension in computation, utilizing the principles of quantum mechanics to potentially solve complex problems that are currently intractable for classical computers. However, little research has been conducted about the architecture decisions made in quantum software development, which have a significant influence on the functionality, performance, scalability, and reliability of these systems.

Objective:

The study aims to empirically investigate and analyze architecture decisions made during the development of quantum software systems, identifying prevalent challenges and limitations by using the posts and issues from Stack Exchange and GitHub.

Methods:

We used a qualitative approach to analyze the obtained data from Stack Exchange Sites and GitHub projects — two prominent platforms in the software development community. Specifically, we collected data from 385 issues (from 87 GitHub projects) and 70 posts (from 3 Stack Exchange sites) related to architecture decisions in quantum software development.

Results:

The results show that in quantum software development (1) architecture decisions are articulated in six linguistic patterns, the most common of which are Solution Proposal and Information Giving, (2) the two major categories of architectural decisions are Implementation Decision and Technology Decision, (3) Software Development Tools are the most common application domain among the twenty application domains identified, (4) Maintainability is the most frequently considered quality attribute, and (5) Design Issues and High Error Rates are the major limitations and challenges that practitioners face when making architecture decisions in quantum software development.

Conclusions:

Our results show that the limitations and challenges encountered in architecture decision-making during the development of quantum software systems are strongly linked to the particular features (e.g., quantum entanglement, superposition, and decoherence) of those systems. These issues mostly pertain to technical aspects and need appropriate measures to address them effectively.