Getting Started with Q# and Quantum Programming

Introduction

This document provides a concise roadmap for learning Q#, Microsoft’s domain‑specific language for quantum computing. It covers:

• Environment setup
• Basic syntax and project creation
• Running your first Q# program
• Common setup issues on macOS (ARM) with Rider

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Prerequisites

• .NET 6 SDK (version 6.0.x) installed and configured
• Quantum Development Kit (QDK) templates for Q#

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Troubleshooting on macOS (ARM) with Rider

Note: JetBrains Rider (2025.1.2+) on Apple Silicon defaults to an arm64 .NET host, while QDK tools require x64.

1. Install the x64 .NET 6 SDK

   • Download the macOS x64 .pkg for .NET 6 from Microsoft.

2. Point Rider at the x64 CLI

   • Rider → Preferences → Build, Execution, Deployment → Toolset and Build

   • Set .NET CLI executable to:

     /usr/local/share/dotnet/x64/dotnet
     

   • Restart Rider or invalid caches.

3. Rebuild your Q# project in Rider.

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Recommended Learning Resources

• Microsoft QDK Documentation

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Happy quantum coding!