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arXiv · 2206.03532

Q# as a Quantum Algorithmic Language

Kartik Singhal·Kesha Hietala·Sarah Marshall·Robert Rand
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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 $\lambda$-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 $\lambda$-Q#'s type system and present its equational semantics based on a fully complete algebraic theory by Staton.

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BibTeXRIS

Kartik Singhal, Kesha Hietala, Sarah Marshall, Robert Rand. 2022-06-07. Q# as a Quantum Algorithmic Language. https://doi.org/10.4204/eptcs.394.10

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