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.
翻译:**上下文:** 量子计算正成为现实,量子软件工程(QSE)作为一门新兴学科应运而生,旨在使开发者能够设计和开发量子程序。
**目标:** 本文对QSE研究的当前状态进行系统性映射研究,旨在识别研究最多的主题、研究的类型与数量、主要报告的结果以及最常研究的量子计算工具/框架。此外,本研究还旨在探索研究界对QSE的兴趣、其演变历程,以及在《塔拉维拉宣言》正式提出该学科之前的相关贡献。
**方法:** 我们在多个数据库中检索相关文章,并应用纳入与排除标准筛选出最相关的研究。在评估所选资源的质量后,我们从主要研究中提取相关数据并进行分析。
**结果:** 我们发现QSE研究主要集中于软件测试,而对软件工程管理等其他主题的关注较少。在技术与工具方面,最常研究的平台是Qiskit,尽管在大多数研究中,要么采用了多种技术,要么未使用特定技术。对QSE最感兴趣的研究者通过直接合作相互关联,并已识别出多个紧密的合作集群。大多数QSE文章发表在非专题型学术平台上,且倾向于会议论文。
**结论:** 该研究的启示是为领域内的研究者和实践者提供了一个集中的信息来源,促进了知识转移,并推动了QSE的进步与发展。