Quantum software engineering aims to establish methodologies, tools, and frameworks to support the development of functional and maintainable quantum applications. A critical aspect within this domain is the maintainability of quantum software, which pertains to the system’s capacity for modification, correction, or evolution over time. Modifiability is particularly significant as it encompasses mechanisms that enable software to be altered effectively and efficiently without introducing defects or compromising quality. Despite its importance, there has been limited discussion on addressing modifiability in quantum software. Moreover, there is little information on studies that translate maintainability concerns into specific modifiability scenarios. In this paper, we present our investigation about defining a modifiability scenario for quantum software, characterized by sources of stimuli, stimuli, software artifacts related to modifiability, environment, responses to the stimuli, and measures of those responses. We examined the release and version histories of 18 quantum software projects to extract data from each version. Preliminary findings outline the development of a concrete modifiability scenario for quantum software that facilitate the implementation of the defined responses within the modifiability scenario in quantum software.

This study will be published in IEEE Xplore and presented at CLEI 2025