Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

International Symposium on Haskell

Modeling quantum computing in Haskell

Amr Sabry

Published Aug 28, 2003• 39 citations
Publisher

Abstract

The paper develops a model of quantum computing from the perspective of functional programming. The model explains the fundamental ideas of quantum computing at a level of abstraction that is familiar to functional programmers. The model also illustrates some of the inherent difficulties in interpreting quantum mechanics and highlights the differences between quantum computing and traditional (functional or otherwise) computing models.

DOI
10.1145/871895.871900

Related papers

Modeling Quantum programs: challenges, initial results, and research directions

Shaukat Ali, Tao Yue

Quantum programming languages provide necessary constructs to program quantum computers. To write such programs, one needs to understand the characteristics of quantum computers such as superposition and entanglement, which are novel as compared to programming with classical computers. Understanding these characteristics requires an understanding of quantum physics. Thus, there is a need to build high-level modeling abstractions of quantum programs for software engineers who are used to program on classical computers to understand and model quantum programs at a high-level of abstraction and independent of quantum platforms. To this end, we present some ideas for developing such quantum software modeling languages, by presenting a conceptual model of quantum programs and an example of modeling the state-based behavior of quantum entanglement program. Moreover, we present some open issues in the area of modeling quantum programs.

•Nov 13, 2020•35 citations

Explaining Basic Aspects of Quantum Computation Based on Functional Approach

Marcos B. Cardoso, Eduarda Monteiro, Felipe Camargo Munhoz +3 more

The aim of this paper is to obtain an inter-pretation of foundations of the quantum compu-tation under the light of the level of functional abstraction [1] and supported by its mathemat-ical basis. This approach seems more accessi-ble to programmers and increases the study and interest in quantum programming. The neces-sity for secret message exchange and the possi-bility of reading secret information have devel-oped cryptographic methods. The security of current methods is based on hard computational problems enabling a good safety level. However, if there is a marked growth in computational power, leaks in the safety system of the crypto-

•Jan 1, 2006•0 citations

Structure and interpretation of quantum mechanics

Jerzy Karczmarczuk

We present a framework for representing quantum entities in Haskell. States and operators are functional objects, and their semantics is defined --- as far as possible --- independently of the base in the Hilbert space. We construct effectively the tensor states for composed systems, and we present a toy model of quantum circuit toolbox. We conclude that functional languages are right tools for formal computations in quantum physics. The paper focuses mainly on the representation, not on computational problems.

International Symposium on Haskell•Aug 28, 2003•26 citations

Challenges in Quantum Programming Languages (Invited Talk)

Peter Selinger

In this talk, I will give an overview of some recent progress and current challenges in the design of quantum programming languages. Unlike classical programs, which can in principle be debugged by stopping the program at critical moments and examining the contents of variables, quantum programs are not amenable to traditional debugging because the state of a quantum system cannot usually be examined in a meaningful way. Therefore, we need other methods for ensuring the correctness of quantum programs, such as formal verification. For this reason, I advocate the use of strongly typed, functional programming languages for quantum computing. As far as functional quantum programming languages are concerned, there is currently a relatively wide gap between theory and practice. On the one hand, we have languages with strong theoretical foundations, such as the quantum lambda calculus, which operate at a relatively low level of abstraction and lack many features that would be useful to practical quantum programmers. On the other hand, we have practical functional quantum programming languages such as Quipper, which is implemented as an embedded language in Haskell, has many high-level features, and has been used in large-scale projects, but lacks a theoretical basis and a strong type system [Green et al., 2013; Green et al., 2013; Green et al., 2013; Smith et al., 2014]. We have recently attempted to narrow this gap through a family of languages called Proto-Quipper, which are designed to offer Quipper-like features while having sound theoretical foundations [Ross, 2015; Rios and Selinger, 2018]. I will give an overview of Quipper and its most useful features, report on the progress we made with formalizing fragments of Quipper, and outline several of the still remaining challenges.

Leibniz international proceedings in informatics•Jan 1, 2018•2 citations

A Minimal Introduction to Quantum Computing

M M Hassan Mahmud, Goldsmith, Daniel

In this article, we present an introduction to quantum computing (QC) tailored for computing professionals such as programmers, machine learning engineers, and data scientists. Our approach abstracts away the physics underlying QC, which can be challenging to grasp, and frames it as a model of computation similar to, for instance, Turing machines. This helps readers grasp the fundamental principles of QC from a purely logical perspective. We begin by defining quantum states and qubits, establishing their mathematical representation and role in computation. We introduce fundamental concepts such as basis states, quantum gates, and tensor products, illustrating how these form the building blocks of quantum computation. Then we present the Deutsch-Josza algorithm, one of the simplest quantum algorithms that demonstrate how quantum computers can outperform classical computers. Finally, we provide guidance for further study, recommending resources for those interested in exploring quantum algorithms, implementations, and industry applications.

arXiv:2504.00995•Apr 1, 2025•0 citations

Quantum computers: where physics meets computer science

SOFIA MAVROGIORGOU

Quantum Physics is defined as “the study of matter and energy at the most fundamental level”. It has entirely transformed our perspective of the physical world and is also the foundation of numerous technological advancements. More specifically, quantum mechanics has been applied in sectors such as medicine and biology, with quantum computing emerging as the most prominent among them. [5] The primary objective of this study is to analyse the concepts of quantum computing, focusing on what quantum computers are, how they function, as well as outline and explain the differences between them and standard computational models (classic computers). Furthermore, their relation to the laws of physics will be discussed. Secondarily, this article aims to provide recent achievements, such as existing quantum computers and plans concerning the future so as to underline the role quantum physics will play, shaping the frontier of computation.

Open Schools Journal for Open Science•Jan 12, 2026•0 citations
The paper develops a model of quantum computing from the perspective of functional programming. The model explains the fundamental ideas of quantum computing at a level of abstraction that is familiar to functional programmers. The model also illustrates some of the inherent difficulties in interpreting quantum mechanics and highlights the differences between quantum computing and traditional (functional or otherwise) computing models.
Quantum programming languages provide necessary constructs to program quantum computers. To write such programs, one needs to understand the characteristics of quantum computers such as superposition and entanglement, which are novel as compared to programming with classical computers. Understanding these characteristics requires an understanding of quantum physics. Thus, there is a need to build high-level modeling abstractions of quantum programs for software engineers who are used to program on classical computers to understand and model quantum programs at a high-level of abstraction and independent of quantum platforms. To this end, we present some ideas for developing such quantum software modeling languages, by presenting a conceptual model of quantum programs and an example of modeling the state-based behavior of quantum entanglement program. Moreover, we present some open issues in the area of modeling quantum programs.
The aim of this paper is to obtain an inter-pretation of foundations of the quantum compu-tation under the light of the level of functional abstraction [1] and supported by its mathemat-ical basis. This approach seems more accessi-ble to programmers and increases the study and interest in quantum programming. The neces-sity for secret message exchange and the possi-bility of reading secret information have devel-oped cryptographic methods. The security of current methods is based on hard computational problems enabling a good safety level. However, if there is a marked growth in computational power, leaks in the safety system of the crypto-
We present a framework for representing quantum entities in Haskell. States and operators are functional objects, and their semantics is defined --- as far as possible --- independently of the base in the Hilbert space. We construct effectively the tensor states for composed systems, and we present a toy model of quantum circuit toolbox. We conclude that functional languages are right tools for formal computations in quantum physics. The paper focuses mainly on the representation, not on computational problems.
In this talk, I will give an overview of some recent progress and current challenges in the design of quantum programming languages. Unlike classical programs, which can in principle be debugged by stopping the program at critical moments and examining the contents of variables, quantum programs are not amenable to traditional debugging because the state of a quantum system cannot usually be examined in a meaningful way. Therefore, we need other methods for ensuring the correctness of quantum programs, such as formal verification. For this reason, I advocate the use of strongly typed, functional programming languages for quantum computing. As far as functional quantum programming languages are concerned, there is currently a relatively wide gap between theory and practice. On the one hand, we have languages with strong theoretical foundations, such as the quantum lambda calculus, which operate at a relatively low level of abstraction and lack many features that would be useful to practical quantum programmers. On the other hand, we have practical functional quantum programming languages such as Quipper, which is implemented as an embedded language in Haskell, has many high-level features, and has been used in large-scale projects, but lacks a theoretical basis and a strong type system [Green et al., 2013; Green et al., 2013; Green et al., 2013; Smith et al., 2014]. We have recently attempted to narrow this gap through a family of languages called Proto-Quipper, which are designed to offer Quipper-like features while having sound theoretical foundations [Ross, 2015; Rios and Selinger, 2018]. I will give an overview of Quipper and its most useful features, report on the progress we made with formalizing fragments of Quipper, and outline several of the still remaining challenges.
In this article, we present an introduction to quantum computing (QC) tailored for computing professionals such as programmers, machine learning engineers, and data scientists. Our approach abstracts away the physics underlying QC, which can be challenging to grasp, and frames it as a model of computation similar to, for instance, Turing machines. This helps readers grasp the fundamental principles of QC from a purely logical perspective. We begin by defining quantum states and qubits, establishing their mathematical representation and role in computation. We introduce fundamental concepts such as basis states, quantum gates, and tensor products, illustrating how these form the building blocks of quantum computation. Then we present the Deutsch-Josza algorithm, one of the simplest quantum algorithms that demonstrate how quantum computers can outperform classical computers. Finally, we provide guidance for further study, recommending resources for those interested in exploring quantum algorithms, implementations, and industry applications.
Quantum Physics is defined as “the study of matter and energy at the most fundamental level”. It has entirely transformed our perspective of the physical world and is also the foundation of numerous technological advancements. More specifically, quantum mechanics has been applied in sectors such as medicine and biology, with quantum computing emerging as the most prominent among them. [5] The primary objective of this study is to analyse the concepts of quantum computing, focusing on what quantum computers are, how they function, as well as outline and explain the differences between them and standard computational models (classic computers). Furthermore, their relation to the laws of physics will be discussed. Secondarily, this article aims to provide recent achievements, such as existing quantum computers and plans concerning the future so as to underline the role quantum physics will play, shaping the frontier of computation.