What you need to know
- Microsoft's Quantum Development Kit is now available as an open source project on GitHub.
- The QDK launched in preview last year, and is Microsoft's attempt to get developers familiar with quantum computing before it goes mainstream.
- Developers will now be able to contribute to the QDK's development via GitHub.
Microsoft's Inspire partner conference starts in full next week, but the company is already getting things started with a load of announcements today. One of the most notable for developers is that Microsoft has open sourced its Quantum Development Kit (QDK) on GitHub.
The QDK, which launched in preview last year, gives developers access to the Q# programming language, quantum simulators, and the libraries needed to start experimenting with quantum computing before it goes mainstream.
"By open-sourcing the Quantum Development Kit in GitHub, we enable developers to contribute alongside an emerging community of quantum computing programmers," Microsoft said in a blog post announcing its plans to open source the QDK earlier this year. "We initiated this work last year when we open-sourced several features of the Quantum Development Kit, including the libraries and samples."
Quantum computing is largely seen as the next major frontier in computing. We're far from it becoming mainstream, but it has the potential to revolutionize the industry, performing calculations and tasks that would take years, or even centuries, to complete with the most advanced computers we have now. While work is still ongoing with quantum computing itself, Microsoft is using the QDK to help developers become familiar with its programming intricacies.
For more, you can check out the Microsoft's Quantum blog.
Portable (and affordable) power accessories we love
Each and every one of these charging gadgets will keep your favorite gear and gadgets going for longer, and none of them costs more than $30.
VisionTek 8,000 mAh micro-USB power bank ($13 at Dell)
This compact dual-output powerbank can speedily recharge any and all your devices, thanks to a two-amp "fast charge feature," using its micro-USB out port. Its simple design includes an LED indicator, and it costs about as much as a single ticket to the movies.
Panasonic eneloop AA batteries (From $13 at Dell)
Panasonic's rechargeable batteries are among the best available, and just a couple of them will keep your favorite remote, mice or other peripherals powered up when you need them. They're also eco. And the company's affordable charger fits and charges both AA and AAA batteries at the same time.
Belkin Qi Wireless Charging Pad ($30 at Dell)
This unobtrusive Qi wireless charging pad looks good (and kind of like a UFO …) and easily charges all your Qi-compatible device up to 5W. Its LED indicator lights up when you're charging. And it costs just $30.
