# Q# as a Quantum Algorithmic Language

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2206.03532 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2206.03532/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 7 Jun 2022.

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Guiding Large Language Models to Generate Computer-Parsable Content](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2404.05499/) (2024)

## Abstract (arXiv)

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.