Comment by michael_nielsen
1 day ago
A few comments have been kind enough to recommend the textbook I wrote with Ike Chuang. I'm glad they find it useful!
It's worth noting: the book assumes a fair bit of mathematical background, especially in linear algebra. If you don't have the equivalent of an undergrad CS/math/physics degree (with some linear algebra), it may be better to start with gentler sources.
One such gentler source is the free online text I wrote with Andy Matuschak -- https://quantum.country. I'm sure there are others which are very good, but perhaps that's helpful!
Both books focus on foundations of the field, and don't cover recent innovations -- the book with Ike Chuang is 26 years old! Still, many of the foundations have remained quite stable.
Michael Nielsen himself! Thanks for the pointer to your gentler introduction. Though i did my B.Sc. Honours in Chemistry decades ago (before switching to CS) i might have to bone up on the requisite mathematics, which is fine.
Given your experience in this domain; i would appreciate your take on Quantum Computing hype vs. reality? There is a lot of contradictory information like for example; The Case Against Quantum Computing - https://spectrum.ieee.org/the-case-against-quantum-computing
Do you think quantum computing will ever become mainstream? Will the "common folk" be able to program and use it with the same ease with which we do classical computers by using layers of abstractions?
Potentially my only opportunity to say thank you for your efforts in creating your textbook, so thank you. It helped me get to the position I am today as an academic researcher in QC although I focus on Photonics.