Q# as a Quantum Algorithmic Language

Abstract

Q# is a standalone domain-specific programming language from Microsoft for writing and running quantum programs. Like most industrial languages, it was designed without a formal specification, which can naturally lead to ambiguity in its interpretation. We aim to provide a formal language definition for Q#, placing the language on a solid mathematical foundation and enabling further evolution of its design and type system. This paper presents λ Q# , an idealized version of Q# that illustrates how we may view Q# as a quantum ALGOL (algorithmic language). We show the safety properties enforced by λ Q# 's type system and present its equational semantics based on a fully complete algebraic theory by Staton.

A Survey on Available Tools and Technologies Enabling Quantum Computing

“…Q#, for instance, is developed by Microsoft and is tailored specifically for quantum computing. It seamlessly integrates with conventional programming languages such as C#, facilitating the creation of quantum programs, simulations, and the integration of the Quantum Development Kit (QDK) [77]. Quipper, on the other hand, is a domain-specific quantum programming language developed by Microsoft Research and the University of Oxford [78].…”