---
id: openpulse
version: "1.0.1"
license: Apache 2.0 Software License
license_treatment: permissive
maintenance: aging
---

# openpulse — Reference OpenPulse AST in Python

License: permissive · Maintenance: aging · Downloads: 205.2K/mo

## What it is and what it does

OpenPulse is a Python reference implementation of the OpenPulse grammar specification for quantum computing. It provides an Abstract Syntax Tree (AST) and parser for pulse-level calibration definitions in OpenQASM 3, specifically handling the `cal` and `defcal` body syntax. The package reuses classical types and statements from openqasm3 and introduces pulse-specific types: `port`, `frame`, and `waveform`. It is structured as a companion to openqasm3, with an AST module for node definitions, a parser module for syntax analysis, and the ability to reuse openqasm3's visitor module for traversal.

The package is intended for quantum computing researchers and developers working with pulse-level control and calibration of quantum hardware. It sits at the intersection of quantum software development and low-level hardware control, enabling users to parse and manipulate pulse definitions programmatically.

Use it for:

- Parse OpenQASM 3 calibration files containing pulse definitions for quantum hardware control.
- Build tools that analyze or transform pulse-level quantum circuits and calibration data.
- Develop quantum compiler backends that need to handle pulse grammar and generate calibration code.
- Create validation or linting tools for OpenQASM 3 pulse definitions in quantum software pipelines.

## Worth the install?

AI-flagged interpretation of the facts above — verify before relying.

OpenPulse parses and represents pulse grammar for quantum computing calibration definitions, providing AST nodes and a parser for OpenQASM 3's `cal` and `defcal` bodies.

Yes, if you are working with OpenQASM 3 pulse-level calibration definitions. The package has low install friction, permissive licensing, and no known vulnerabilities. However, note that maintenance is aging—verify that the version meets your needs and check the repository for any recent fixes before relying on it in production.

## Install

pip install openpulse
uv add openpulse
poetry add openpulse

## Installing openpulse

Before you install: Low friction—pure Python wheel with three lightweight runtime dependencies. Maintenance is aging: last release was in 2024-10-01 and the repository shows minimal recent activity, though it remains unarchived.

License in practice: Apache 2.0 is permissive; you may use, modify, and distribute this package freely in commercial and private projects, provided you include a copy of the license and note any changes.

Quickstart:

pip install openpulse

from openpulse import ast, parser

# Parse a pulse definition string
code = "cal { ... }"  # OpenQASM 3 calibration block
result = parser.parse(code)

Requires openqasm3 and antlr4-python3-runtime as runtime dependencies; Python version compatibility is unspecified in metadata.

Verify before relying:

- Whether the package is actively maintained or in long-term stable maintenance mode despite the aging status.
- Python version compatibility details, since requires_python is unspecified in the metadata.
- Whether parser.parse() is the correct API or if a different entry point is needed for typical usage.

## Package facts

- License: Apache 2.0 Software License (permissive)
- Python support: unspecified
- Install friction: low
- Maintenance: aging
- Downloads: 205.2K/month (top 15,000 on PyPI)
- Known vulnerabilities: none known

## Tags

quantum pulse grammar parser, openqasm calibration ast, pulse types port frame waveform, quantum defcal parser, openpulse ast nodes, quantum computing pulse definitions, openqasm3 pulse extension, quantum-computing, parser, ast

[View on SkillFed](https://skillfed.io/packages/openpulse) · [View on PyPI](https://pypi.org/project/openpulse/)