Microsoft fans interested in the future of Microsoft’s Q# programming language are in luck, as the technology giant has recently introduced a preview of the Quantum Development Kit for free. This will allow Microsoft’s partners and customers to get a taste of the quantum code in its earlier stages, and begin their learning journey of programming on quantum computers.
The quantum computing kit will enable developers to develop applications to be run on a quantum simulator, and to be eventually run on a general purpose topological quantum computer, which is in the early stages of being developed by Microsoft.
During the Microsoft Ignite conference held earlier in September, the plan to roll out the Quantum Development Kit was already announced to the public. At the time, Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella explained that quantum computers are much more powerful than a normal PC as the latter is strongly limited to solving computing problems sequentially. On the other hand, a quantum computer provides a powerful approach of attempting to find multiple solutions in parallel and all at once.
In today’s technology world, people have become quite accustomed to the idea of quantum computing as the dominating computing force of the future. The drawbacks and limitations of classical computing, which relies on digital bits to perform calculations, is becoming more and more apparent over time. This is because the framework for the technology for its impressive successor, quantum computing, is becoming increasingly robust after much effort has been put into developing it. Unlike typical computers, quantum computing uses the innovative subatomic quantum bits to do calculations, greatly increasing the capacity to solve complex problems, while reducing the time required to solve them.
Along with the kit, Microsoft also released a local quantum simulator which is able to simulate the equivalent of 30 logical qubits of quantum computing power on a normal laptop. Therefore, developers can use their personal PCs to test programs and debug quantum code. For those needing more computing power, the company also has an Azure-based simulator for simulating more than 40 logical qubits. A complete set of sample programs, libraries, and documentation is also made available along with the new quantum computing kit.
As Microsoft has properly integrated the Quantum Development kit into the Visual Studio suite of developer tools, it will be relatively easy to use by developers who have already been creating applications in using different programming languages.
Apart from Microsoft, other technology giants including IBM and Google have all joined into the quantum computing development race, with varying approaches used by the different companies.
Microsoft has gained a very strong foothold in the modern technology market by investing heavily in developing high quality designs to secure the success of the company in the market with ever-changing needs.
Give WM Reply a call today to chat with one of our friendly team members and for help selecting the right Microsoft products or services to secure the future of your business.