  Quantum software systems are emerging software engineering (SE) genre that
exploit principles of quantum bits (Qubit) and quantum gates (Qgates) to solve
complex computing problems that today classic computers can not effectively do
in a reasonable time. According to its proponents, agile software development
practices have the potential to address many of the problems endemic to the
development of quantum software. However, there is a dearth of evidence
confirming if agile practices suit and can be adopted by software teams as they
are in the context of quantum software development. To address this lack, we
conducted an empirical study to investigate the needs and challenges of using
agile practices to develop quantum software. While our semi-structured
interviews with 26 practitioners across 10 countries highlighted the
applicability of agile practices in this domain, the interview findings also
revealed new challenges impeding the effective incorporation of these
practices. Our research findings provide a springboard for further
contextualization and seamless integration of agile practices with developing
the next generation of quantum software.
