Towards a set of metrics for hybrid (quantum/classical) systems maintainability

Abstract

Given the rapid evolution that has taken place in recent years in the software industry, and along with it the emergence of quantum software, there is a need to design an environment for measuring quality metrics for hybrid, classic-quantum software.  In order to measure and evaluate the quality of classic software, there are models and standards, among which ISO/IEC 25000 stands out, which proposes a set of quality characteristics such as maintainability. However, there is currently no consensus for the measurement and evaluation of quantum software quality.  In this paper we propose a series of adaptations to “classic” metrics, as well as a set of new measurements for hybrid maintainability. Finally, a first prototype of a measurement tool developed as a SonarQube plugin, capable of measuring these metrics in quantum developments, is also presented.