Q# programming language

Q# in Visual Studio. © Microsoft.

Microsoft has just released a free version of its Quantum development kit, which includes the Q# (“cue-sharp”) programming language developed specifically for quantum computing, a quantum simulator and other resources for anyone interested in developing applications for quantum computers. Part of the Visual Studio development tool suite, Q# is designed to work with a local quantum simulator that can simulate around 30 logical qubits of quantum computing power using a typical laptop computer, allowing developers to debug their code and test programs on small instances directly on their machines. For heavy-duty quantum work, Microsoft is offering an Azure-based simulator able to provide over 40 qubits of power. Microsoft has also supplied a complete set of documentation, libraries and programming examples, providing users with basic quantum knowledge to play with quantum-specific concepts such as quantum teleportation.

If you’re interested in quantum computing, see our recent article, “Microsoft’s quantum gamble”.

⇨ Ars Technica, “Microsoft’s Q# quantum programming language out now in preview.”