What should I study for quantum computing?

A Physics major with theoretical Computer Science focus can help one in designing algorithms for a quantum computer. If one is interested in Quantum Mechanics, then a major in computer science and a minor in Maths with a focus on abstract linear algebra is required to build a foundation in quantum computing.

What math do you need for quantum computing?

Linear Algebra
The basic maths that allows quantum computing to perform its magic is Linear Algebra. Everything in quantum computing, from the representation of qubits and gates to circuits’ functionality, can be described using various forms of Linear Algebra.

Do you need physics for quantum computing?

Therefore to study quantum computing, you will require a background in physics, mathematics, and computer science. This includes knowledge of exponents, vectors, sine waves, linear algebra, as well as probability and stochastic processes.

What are the best books on quantum computing?

Let’s talk about the quantum computing books you’ve recommended, which you’ve ranked in order of difficulty. The first one on the list is Computing with Quantum Cats, which is by the British science writer John Gibben. He’s written a number of popular science books, including In Search of Schrodinger’s Cat.

Should quantum computing be accessible to everyone?

Your book, Quantum Computing for Everyone, has math, but is still very accessible. Is that the idea, that people shouldn’t be frightened of quantum computing and we should all be engaged with it? That’s what I feel—that quantum computing should be accessible to most people.

What is the history of quantum computing?

The first major foundational paper was published in the mid-1980s by David Deutsch, whose work is described in all the quantum computing books I’ve recommended. He showed that theoretically there was, again, a highly contrived problem that a quantum computer could solve more quickly than a classical computer.

Can quantum computers solve chemistry problems?

There’s also the hope that soon we’ll be in a position where quantum computers are actually solving useful problems, most likely to do with chemistry. Chemistry, at its most fundamental level, is a quantum phenomenon; it involves quantum mechanics. So it makes sense to simulate it using a quantum computer.