Quantum Computing for Everyone

Really fascinating book, great attempt to make an exotic field accessible to a broad audience and a great introduction to and explanation of both quantum physics and quantum computing. The maths are however still very present (as they are essential to the explanation itself) and - although well explained - not to be underestimated. Having studied quite some maths and had an intro course in quantum physics I can follow everything rather well, but cannot guarantee it would be the same for everyone.

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Despite being around for decades, the words “quantum mechanics” still make eyes roll even in a room of educated people. Few really understand the phenomena. Among those more scientifically minded, some – thankfully fewer in number – still argue that quantum mechanics will give way someday to a more classical approach. The controversial part of quantum mechanics, which foiled even Albert Einstein, states that to measure the spin or velocity of an electron, one must interfere with the system permanently. This enmeshment of the measurer with the system confuses people, but numerous experiments highlight this paradox. It seems to be an innate part of the universe, not merely a technological limitation. Smart physicists and mathematicians have noticed an opportunity around quantum mechanics: We can address computational questions with its approach. A system of “qubits” can be used to address problems that classical computing cannot address. This observation has produced a new scientific field of quantum computing. Recently, major companies have begun to jump into this technology in a quest for early supremacy. Most textbooks use a lot of math to introduce quantum computing – rightfully so because mathematics provide the basis towards all computation. But a math-heavy approach makes the field relatively inaccessible. To address this shortcoming, Chris Bernhardt provides an introduction to the subject with less mathematics. The book teaches basic linear algebra needed to approach the subject. It’s still heavy on the words, not the mathematics, and draws out applications and challenges that confront the field. Since a child, I have loved mathematics and its creative expressivity. I enjoyed how Bernhardt introduced me to relevant concepts and drew me into quantum concepts. By the end of the book, however, I glazed over the mathematics in favor of just getting the book completed. Perhaps that is a personal failing, but it’s one that I witnessed in many of my college math classes, too! I found the next-to-last chapter on quantum algorithms the least accessible, but the last chapter on quantum applications was the most interesting. Those in the investment community can find a deep dive into this topic helpful to carefully discover future winners and losers in this burgeoning field. Quantum computing presently requires a lot of money to access, but presumably, like classical computing, that cost will go down with time. This field is fascinating to think about, and Bernhardt makes it truly accessible “for (almost) everyone.”

Es un libro relativamente breve que hace lo posible para simplificar las matemáticas de algo no trivial como la mecánica cuántica. Enseña algunos algoritmos de ejemplo para que se entienda el potencial. El libro ha escogido ser breve, conciso y atemporal centrándose en : - Principios básicos de computación cuántica - Algortimos de ejemplo - La mínima matemática y física necesaria Lo que no es: - Un libro de mecánica cuántica - Un libro sobre el estado del hardware. Eso es algo que posiblemente cambie en cada momento - Un manual de física - Un libro de referencia con toda la matemática y todos los posibles algoritmos con el estado del arte Debo decir que yo parto de una formación de ingeniería que ya había dado mecánica cuántica en la carrera hace más de una década.

This book provides a nice entry point for people interested in quantum computing. While some parts of the book could have been more in depth, it was never the intention of the author to overwhelm the readers with complex technical details, but to provide them with the necessary tools, knowledge and historical background to explore more advanced books and resources on quantum computing. While this book is aimed toward "everyone", basic knowledge in mathematics (linear algebra), physics and computer science/electrical engineering (for the logic gates) is a must-have to easily understand the ideas behind quantum computing presented by Chris Bernhardt. Overall, a great experience that I recommend to anyone interested in this topic and looking for a starting point.