# Silq

> quantum programming language

**Wikidata**: [Q101629075](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q101629075)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/silq

## Summary
Silq is a quantum programming language developed by ETH Zurich. Introduced in 2020, it is designed for quantum programming and implements multiple paradigms, including imperative, functional, and circuit design approaches. It is open-source software released under the Boost Software License.

## Key Facts
- **Developer:** ETH Zurich
- **Inception:** 2020
- **Primary Use:** Quantum programming
- **License:** Boost Software License
- **Programming Paradigms:** Imperative programming, functional programming, circuit design language
- **Influenced By:** The D programming language
- **Instance Of:** Quantum programming language, imperative programming language
- **Website:** https://silq.ethz.ch/
- **Source Code Repository:** https://github.com/eth-sri/silq
- **Copyright Status:** Copyrighted

## FAQs
### Q: Who developed the Silq programming language?
A: Silq was developed by ETH Zurich, a research university in Switzerland. The project began (inception) in 2020.

### Q: What programming paradigms does Silq support?
A: Silq is a multi-paradigm language. It is classified as an imperative programming language, a functional programming language, and a circuit design language specifically for quantum programming.

### Q: Is Silq open source?
A: Yes, Silq is open source. It is distributed under the Boost Software License, and its source code is available via GitHub.

## Why It Matters
Silq represents a significant development in the field of quantum computing as a high-level programming language designed to make quantum algorithms more intuitive and manageable. Developed by ETH Zurich, it addresses the complexity of quantum programming by incorporating paradigms familiar to classical software engineers, specifically imperative and functional programming.

Unlike low-level quantum assembly languages or hardware-specific instruction sets, Silq aims to provide a higher level of abstraction. By serving as both a circuit design language and a functional language, it allows researchers and developers to focus on the logic of quantum algorithms rather than the granular details of quantum gate implementation. The language's creation in 2020 marks an effort to bridge the gap between theoretical quantum algorithms and practical software implementation. Its release under the Boost Software License and availability on GitHub further emphasize its role as an accessible tool for the academic and research community, fostering collaboration and standardization in the evolving quantum ecosystem.

## Notable For
- **Multi-Paradigm Approach:** Uniquely combines imperative, functional, and circuit design paradigms within a quantum context.
- **Academic Pedigree:** Developed by ETH Zurich, a leading institution in technology and science.
- **D Language Influence:** Notably influenced by the D programming language, distinct from other quantum languages often derived from Python or C++.
- **Specialized Classification:** Explicitly classified as a "circuit design language" in addition to being a standard programming language.

## Body

### Development and Background
Silq was created by the Secure, Reliable, and Intelligent Systems Lab at ETH Zurich. The language was officially introduced in 2020 to address the need for more intuitive tools in the quantum computing space. The development team maintains an active presence on YouTube under the handle "ethsri6903" to disseminate information and tutorials regarding the language.

### Technical Specifications
Silq is categorized as an instance of a quantum programming language, an imperative programming language, and a functional programming language. It is also defined as a circuit design language, indicating its utility in defining quantum circuits. The syntax and structure of Silq show a specific technical lineage, being influenced by the D programming language.

### Licensing and Availability
The language is distributed under the Boost Software License. Its source code is publicly hosted on GitHub at the repository `eth-sri/silq`. The official project website is hosted by ETH Zurich at `silq.ethz.ch` and is presented in English.

### Identity and Classification
Silq is assigned the Google Knowledge Graph ID `/g/11hj9h77rg`. It is referenced across multiple Wikipedia language editions, including French (fa), Javanese (jv), and Persian (fa). The logo for the language is available via Wikimedia Commons.

## References

1. [Source](https://api.github.com/repos/eth-sri/silq)
2. YouTube API