Quantum Computing and Static Analysis: State of the Art and Research Opportunities

Abstract

Due to its fast evolution, quantum computing is increasingly becoming a software problem, one that requires particular care because of the intrinsic peculiarities of quantum programs. Static analysis for quantum programs is still in its infancy. It has produced both principled semantic techniques and practical pattern-based linters, but the two are not connected yet, resulting in limited adoption. In this paper, we provide a concise presentation of the current state of the art, identify the challenges for static analysis of quantum programs, and propose a programmatic research agenda to address them, pairing each challenge with a concrete first step. Rather than surveying in depth existing analyses, this paper argues that the current generation of quantum static analysis tools is still missing the abstractions and infrastructures that enabled the success of static analysis for classical software. We identify these missing ingredients and outline a research roadmap for the next generation of quantum program analyzers.