title: The Evolution of Quantum Programming: A History of Software and Abstraction
In line with the journals interest in software history, this topic would document the development of the first quantum programming languages and simulators. It would look at how researchers in the 1990s and 2000s attempted to create “higher-level” abstractions to control quantum hardware, mirroring the historical transition from assembly to C in the classical world, and the role of the first cloud-based quantum platforms (like IBM Q Experience) in democratizing access to the technology.
Scope and Tone: “Scholarly, Not Promotional”
The journal is a peer-reviewed academic publication, not a trade magazine.
- Instruction: “The article must be a scholarly historical analysis. Avoid ‘hype’ or marketing language. Focus on the how and why of events rather than just listing milestones. Use a formal, objective academic tone.”
- Context: It should connect technical developments with social, economic, or institutional factors (e.g., “how government funding shaped quantum research” rather than just “the physics of qubits”).
2. Structural Requirements
- Length: Aim for 5,000 to 8,000 words (this includes everything from the abstract to the bibliography).
- Abstract: Provide a standalone summary of 100200 words that outlines the significance, methodology, and primary findings.
- Biographies: Include short professional biographies (max 200 words) for each author.
3. Historical Methodology
The Annals emphasizes original research and primary sources.
- Instruction: “Prioritize primary sources, such as original research papers, company archives, oral history interviews, or government reports from the era being discussed. Secondary sources should be used to provide broader historical context.”
- Narrative Balance: Ask the writer to balance technical descriptions (accessible to a technical professional) with historical narrative (accessible to a historian).
4. Formatting and Citations (IEEE Style)
This is a common reason for rejection or heavy revision.
- Instruction: “Follow the IEEE Editorial Style Manual. Use sequential numerical citations in square brackets (e.g., [1], [2]). The bibliography must follow the specific IEEE format for journals, books, and websites.”
- Visuals: Encourage the inclusion of high-resolution (300+ dpi) historical photographs, diagrams, or archival scans, as the journal values “illustrations and photographs.”
5. Ethical Guidelines and Originality
- Originality: “The work must be previously unpublished. If any part of the research has appeared in a conference paper, it must be significantly expanded with at least 30-40% new material.”
- AI Disclosure: If your writer uses AI tools for drafting or data analysis, they must disclose and cite the AI system used per current IEEE policy.
- Permissions: Remind the writer that they (or you) are responsible for securing copyright permissions for any images or long quotes used.
6. Suggested Section Breakdown for the Writer:
- Introduction: Define the historical problem and its relevance to both the history of computing and quantum development.
- Technological Context: What was the state of classical computing at the time?
- The Pivot Point: Detailed analysis of the specific quantum breakthrough or company activity.
- Impact & Analysis: How did this event change the trajectory of the field?
- Conclusion: Summary of historical significance and legacy.
Requirements: 10000

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