Book Image

Dancing with Qubits

By : Robert S. Sutor
5 (1)
Book Image

Dancing with Qubits

5 (1)
By: Robert S. Sutor

Overview of this book

Quantum computing is making us change the way we think about computers. Quantum bits, a.k.a. qubits, can make it possible to solve problems that would otherwise be intractable with current computing technology. Dancing with Qubits is a quantum computing textbook that starts with an overview of why quantum computing is so different from classical computing and describes several industry use cases where it can have a major impact. From there it moves on to a fuller description of classical computing and the mathematical underpinnings necessary to understand such concepts as superposition, entanglement, and interference. Next up is circuits and algorithms, both basic and more sophisticated. It then nicely moves on to provide a survey of the physics and engineering ideas behind how quantum computing hardware is built. Finally, the book looks to the future and gives you guidance on understanding how further developments will affect you. Really understanding quantum computing requires a lot of math, and this book doesn't shy away from the necessary math concepts you'll need. Each topic is introduced and explained thoroughly, in clear English with helpful examples.
Table of Contents (16 chapters)
Preface
13
Afterword

2.8 How hard can that be?

Once you decide to do something, how long does it take you? How much money or other resources does it involve? How do you compare the worst way of doing it with the best?

When you try to accomplish tasks on a computer, all these questions come to bear. The point about money may not be obvious, but when you are running an application you need to pay for the processing, storage, and memory you use. This is true whether you paid to get a more powerful laptop or have ongoing cloud costs.

To end this chapter we look at classical complexity. To start, we consider sorting and searching and some algorithms for doing them.

Whenever I hear ‘‘sorting and searching’’ I get a musical ear worm for Bobby Lewis’ 1960 classic rock song ‘‘Tossin’ and Turnin’.’’ Let me know if it is contagious.

2.8.1 Sorting

Sorting involves taking multiple items and putting them in some kind...