Quantum Computing for Programmers

Takes readers from the basics to detailed derivations and open-source implementations of more than 25 fundamental quantum algorithms.

Robert Hundt (Author)

9781009098175, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 31 March 2022

350 pages
25 x 17.5 x 2.3 cm, 0.8 kg

'This book takes a unique approach of introducing quantum computing with a combination of precise but manageable mathematics, open-source code, and detailed derivations of many core quantum algorithms, which makes it an ideal learning resource for the community of software programmers, including both students and professionals, to explore the fascinating land of quantum computing.' Jason Cong, Volgenau Chair for Engineering Excellence, UCLA

This introduction to quantum computing from a classical programmer's perspective is meant for students and practitioners alike. Over 25 fundamental algorithms are explained with full mathematical derivations and classical code for simulation, using an open-source code base developed from the ground up in Python and C++. After presenting the basics of quantum computing, the author focuses on algorithms and the infrastructure to simulate them efficiently, beginning with quantum teleportation, superdense coding, and Deutsch-Jozsa. Coverage of advanced algorithms includes the quantum supremacy experiment, quantum Fourier transform, phase estimation, Shor's algorithm, Grover's algorithm with derivatives, quantum random walks, and the Solovay–Kitaev algorithm for gate approximation. Quantum simulation is explored with the variational quantum eigensolver, quantum approximate optimization, and the Max-Cut and Subset-Sum algorithms. The book also discusses issues around programmer productivity, quantum noise, error correction, and challenges for quantum programming languages, compilers, and tools, with a final section on compiler techniques for transpilation.

Introduction
1. The mathematical minimum
2. Quantum computing fundamentals
3. Simple algorithms
4. Scalable, fast simulation
5. Beyond classical
6. Complex algorithms
7. Quantum error correction
8. Quantum languages, compilers, and tools
Appendix: Sparse Implementation
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Computer programming / software development [UM], Information technology: general issues [UB], Quantum physics [quantum mechanics & quantum field theory PHQ]