Qiskit is an open-source SDK for working with quantum computers at the level of extended quantum circuits, operators, and primitives.
Qiskit addresses the challenge of programming quantum computers by providing a unified interface for constructing and manipulating quantum circuits, defining quantum operators, and executing quantum programs through primitive functions like Sampler and Estimator. The toolkit includes a transpiler for optimizing quantum circuits and a quantum information toolbox for creating advanced operators. The project offers both a Python API as the primary interface and a C API that provides direct access to Qiskit's Rust-based internal data model, allowing use as a standalone shared library or as an embedded component for writing Python extension modules.
Developers building quantum applications in Python should adopt Qiskit as their primary interface. The tool suits projects ranging from educational quantum programming to production quantum circuit optimization and execution. The Python API handles dependency management through standard package installation, while the C API serves developers who need lower-level access or want to build Python extensions directly against Qiskit's core implementation. Those requiring standalone C library functionality can build from source with Rust and GNU Make.
The project maintains active development with regular updates to both the Python and C APIs, reflecting ongoing refinement of the quantum programming model. The codebase shows sustained attention to performance optimization through the transpiler and quantum information components. Documentation is actively maintained with comprehensive guides covering installation from both package repositories and source, as well as detailed API usage patterns.
