Qiskit Expands to Fortran, C++, and Julia for Seamless Quantum Computing
IBM's Qiskit framework is expanding beyond Python, now offering native support for Fortran, C++, and Julia through its C API. This development allows researchers to integrate quantum computing into existing high-performance computing (HPC) workflows without relying on Python. The C API connects to Qiskit's high-performance Rust core, enabling seamless interoperability between different programming languages. For example, a quantum circuit built in Fortran can be passed to a C++ application without compatibility issues.
The Qiskit team has developed specific language bindings for Fortran, C++, and Julia, each designed to fit naturally within their respective ecosystems. Fortran, a staple in scientific computing, now has qiskit-fortran, which interfaces directly with the Qiskit C API. This eliminates the need for a Python layer, improving performance and integration with existing Fortran applications. Similarly, qiskit-cpp provides a header-only C++ interface, while Qiskit.jl offers a Julia-native experience, including circuit construction and execution capabilities.
These advancements are aimed at making quantum computing more accessible to researchers who work in languages other than Python. By supporting Fortran, C++, and Julia, Qiskit can be more easily integrated into hybrid quantum-classical workflows, advancing applications in optimization, machine learning, and scientific simulation. The goal is to ensure that integrating Qiskit into existing research workflows is straightforward, regardless of the programming language used.
IBM encourages researchers to explore these new capabilities by creating a free account on the IBM Quantum Platform. The platform allows users to run experiments on real quantum hardware and access documentation to integrate Qiskit into their Fortran, C++, and Julia workflows. This expansion of Qiskit's language support is a significant step toward making quantum computing a more versatile tool in scientific research.