Design and Validation of a Quantum Software Engineering Lifecycle Framework

Authors

  • Islam Zada Department of Computer Science & Software Engineering, International Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Abid Jameel Department of Computer Science & Software Engineering, International Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Huma Mumtaz Department of Computer Science, Virtual University, Peshawar, Pakistan
  • Faisal Hayat Department of Computer Science & Software Engineering, International Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Jalal Ahmad Department of Information Technology, The University of Haripur, Pakistan
  • Sehrish Bibi Department of Software Engineering, Foundation University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
  • Laiba Shehryar Department of Computer Science & Software Engineering, International Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan

Keywords:

Data Analytics, Quantum Software Engineering (QSE), Quantum Computing, Software Lifecycle, Quantum Programming Languages, Quantum Error Correction, Quantum Security and Governance

Abstract

Quantum computing promises transformative computational capabilities; however, the absence of structured and standardized software engineering significantly limits its practical scalability. Quantum Software Engineering (QSE) remains fragmented, tool-centric, and largely experimental. This paper proposes a structured Quantum Software Engineering Lifecycle Framework that systematically integrates requirements engineering, hybrid design, quantum development, verification, deployment, and governance. To validate the proposed lifecycle, a two-stage evaluation was conducted. First, a Delphi-based expert validation involving 15 domain experts assessed clarity, feasibility, scalability, and hybrid applicability. Second, a simulation-based comparative analysis using Qiskit and PennyLane evaluated the lifecycle against ad-hoc development workflows across variational and search-based quantum algorithms. Results demonstrate a 24% reduction in development time, 15–18% improvement in execution fidelity, and significant gains in modularity, reusability, and tool interoperability. These findings confirm that adopting a structured lifecycle enables more reliable, scalable, and sustainable quantum software development, positioning QSE as a mature engineering discipline rather than purely experimental practice.

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Published

2025-12-13

How to Cite

Zada, I., Abid Jameel, Mumtaz, H., Hayat, F., Ahmad, J., Bibi, S., & Shehryar, L. (2025). Design and Validation of a Quantum Software Engineering Lifecycle Framework. International Journal of Innovations in Science & Technology, 7(4), 3133–3150. Retrieved from https://journal.50sea.com/index.php/IJIST/article/view/1683

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Vol. 7 No. 4 (2025): Vol 7 Issue 4

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