MQT Core

MQT Core provides reusable C++20 and Python libraries for quantum computing: the MQT Compiler Collection, built on MLIR and LLVM, together with decision diagrams, QIR execution, QDMI device access, SDK and HPC integrations, and structured benchmarks. It forms the backbone of the Munich Quantum Toolkit (MQT).

MQT Core 4 is a major architectural release. Structured compiler representations replace the classic circuit APIs and connect quantum-classical programs to optimization, hardware mapping, and execution. For the release highlights, see the v4 overview. Existing users should start with the v3-to-v4 migration guide.

Start with your task

Install the Python package or follow the source-build instructions. Then choose a starting point:

Compile and execute a program

Factor 21 with Shor’s algorithm and measurement feedback.

• First example: Shor factoring walkthrough

• Tutorials: Understand quantum compilation

• Guide: Compilation and execution

• API: mqt.core.mlir

Connect or implement a device

Discover QDMI devices, integrate SDKs, and implement device interfaces.

• First example: Discover and use a device

• Guide: QDMI devices and integrations

• API: mqt.core.qdmi and C++

Use decision diagrams

Represent and manipulate quantum states and operations in C++ or Python.

• First example: DD quickstart

• Guide: Decision diagrams

• API: mqt.core.dd and C++

Generate and evaluate benchmarks

Configure structured programs and evaluate results against their references.

• First example: Configure a benchmark

• Guide: Structured benchmarks

• API: mqt.core.bench

Exchange quantum programs

Move between Qiskit, OpenQASM, jeff, and QIR text or bitcode.

• First example: Qiskit to QIR

• Guides: QIR, OpenQASM, and Qiskit, plus jeff exchange

• API: compile_program()

Embed or extend MQT Core

Use the C++ libraries or work on the MLIR compiler infrastructure.

• First example: C++ library quickstart

• Guide: C++ compilation and compiler development

• API: C++ reference and MLIR dialects and passes

Source code is available on GitHub. For installation options, platform requirements, and development setup, see Installation.

Contributors and Supporters

MQT Core is developed by MQSC and the Chair for Design Automation at the Technical University of Munich. Among others, it is part of the Munich Quantum Software Stack (MQSS) ecosystem, which is being developed as part of the Munich Quantum Valley (MQV) initiative.

Thank you to all the contributors who have helped make MQT Core a reality!

The MQT will remain free, open-source, and permissively licensed — now and in the future. We are firmly committed to keeping it open and actively maintained for the quantum computing community.

To support this endeavor, please consider:

• Starring and sharing our repositories: https://github.com/munich-quantum-toolkit

• Contributing code, documentation, tests, or examples via issues and pull requests

• Citing the MQT in your publications (see References)

• Using the MQT in research and teaching, and sharing feedback and use cases

• Sponsoring us on GitHub: https://github.com/sponsors/munich-quantum-toolkit