On Testing and Debugging Quantum Software

TL;DR

This paper explores testing and debugging strategies for quantum software, addressing unique challenges and proposing techniques to improve the reliability of quantum programs for practitioners and researchers.

Contribution

It introduces quantum-specific testing and debugging techniques, highlighting novel issues and opportunities for future research in quantum software quality assurance.

Findings

Identifies quantum-computer-specific testing challenges

Proposes novel debugging techniques for quantum programs

Provides practical guidance for quantum software practitioners

Abstract

Quantum computers are becoming more mainstream. As more programmers are starting to look at writing quantum programs, they need to test and debug their code. In this paper, we discuss various use-cases for quantum computers, either standalone or as part of a System of Systems. Based on these use-cases, we discuss some testing and debugging tactics that one can leverage to ensure the quality of the quantum software. We also highlight quantum-computer-specific issues and list novel techniques that are needed to address these issues. The practitioners can readily apply some of these tactics to their process of writing quantum programs, while researchers can learn about opportunities for future work.