Exactly What You Need to Know to Get Into Quantum
Computing by Sara A.Metwalli
Don’t say “I am not smart enough to do quantum”
Quantum computing has gained a lot of attention from both the industry and the media
recently, despite its relatively old technology. Quantum computing first appeared in the 1980s.
However, there are multiple reasons why the traction around this technology is rasing at the
moment.
In recent years, quantum computing has been moving from just a pure theory into being
something practical. Now, there are actual quantum computers built that you can run simple
programs on.
Moreover, there has been much effort being put by different companies to increase quantum
knowledge among the interested.
Today, we live in an era of technology; it’s all around us. As data scientists, we are faced with
increasing amounts of data every day. This increase in the data to be processed, analyzed, and
cleaned, opens up the door to how quantum technology can assist in transforming the field of
data science and many other fields.
The problem now is, whenever a person in quantum computing asks another about why they
won’t consider joining the filed, the answer is usually one of two things:
1. I am not smart enough to join quantum.
2. Or, it’s so complex and requires a lot of math I don’t know/ like.
In this article, I want to talk with you as a person who recently joined the field a little over
two years ago. I want to show you that most concerns keeping you away from dipping your
toes in the field of quantum computing are not really accurate.
I want to show exactly what you need to get into quantum computing. And I want to propose
to you that getting into quantum computing is no more difficult than getting into data science
or any other technological field.
So, what do you really need to know to start with quantum computing?
What you need to know to get started with quantum computing
I will try to layout the knowledge you may/may not need to enter quantum computing.
Whether you will or not will depend on what exactly you want to do in the field.
For example, if you’re already a programmer or a data scientist and you would like to explore
how quantum techniques can transform your work, you probably won’t need to know much
physics or mechanics to get where you won’t go.
On the other hand, if you want to get into the construction of qubits and how they work, you
will need more physics/ mechanics than programming and math knowledge.
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Programming
To get started with quantum, you will probably need to know some programming basics.
Although there are currently some programming languages that are completely designed to
program quantum computers, you don’t need to learn such languages when you get into the
field.
One of the most used programming languages used to program actual quantum machines
today is Python.
So, if you want to give programming a quantum machine a try, I would suggest you start with
IBM’s open-source toolkit Qiskit.
Using Qiskit will not only allow you to program an actual IBM quantum machine but will
help you learn many quantum concepts hassle-free. Once you are comfortable with quantum
concepts, you can try and learn a quantum programming language.
Math
Math, probably the first thing that might drive someone away from getting into quantum
computing. Well, I will not lie to you; there is some math involved in quantum computing.
I would also argue that math is involved in all other technical fields, such as machine learning,
artificial intelligence, and natural language processing.
In fact, some of these data science fields contain more complex math than quantum computing!
I know that doesn’t sound real, but it is.
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.
Another math field that is really involved in quantum computing is the basics of probability
theory.
That’s it. Linear algebra and probability theory. Two fields involved in all sub-fields of data
science and most of the current technology fields.
That’s not to say that things will not get complex as you advance in the field, but isn’t that the
case in all fields?
Physics/ mechanics
The inner functionality of quantum computing, such as entanglement and quantum superposi-
tion, are pure physical phenomenons. They have some physics laws that control and explain
why they happen.
However, the inner functionalities of classical computers are the same thing. You don’t need to
know exactly how your computer’s hardware works to create great things using it. You only
need to know how to use it.
This same logic applies to quantum computing. To be a quantum software developer, you
only need to know how a quantum computer works and then use that to build your own
applications.
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You will need to really get into the physics and mechanics of how a quantum computer works
if you intend to work or get involved with building and constructing quantum computing
hardware.
Which is also the case if you want to build a classical processor or GPU. You’ll need to get
deep into the physics that allows this hardware to perform correctly in both cases.
Curiosity
Curiosity — in my opinion — is the most important mindset you need to have to get into
quantum computing. And I know curiosity is not a piece of knowledge, but it is crucial to
mention this article’s sake.
I got into quantum computing because I was curious about how quantum computing can make
our current technologies better. How can it take something very advanced and make it even
more advanced?
I was curious to learn more about quantum computing because, at first, it sounds like sci-fi
and not something that can actually be developed.
Most of my colleagues had the same mindset when they got into the field. As humans, we are
always drawn to what makes our minds wander and go free with imagination. It intrigues us
when things work in a way different than what we are used to.
This curiosity is what led to all scientific and technological advancements we have today, and
it will be what causes the creation of many advances to come.
Final Thoughts
Quantum computer is no different than any other technological fields. It just has a bad
reputation because, at some point in time, that word quantum got linked to complex. So, now
every time anyone mentions quantum, the first thing that pops into your mind — and until
recently, mine — is “oh, that must be very complex!”.
What I would like to leave with are two things. First, if you ever decide to approach quantum
computing, do it with the same mindset, you do any other field. All fields have complex topics;
they all have a learning curve, some steeper than others. Nevertheless, they all do.
Second, unleash your curiosity; let it lead you to explore and experiment with new fields and
aspects. I can assure you that if you have the curiosity to get into quantum computing, you have
the intelligence to do so.
You’re smart enough to get into any field you want, not just quantum. So, don’t let the word
quantum intimidate you or stop you from jumping into this mysterious realm. I am here to tell
you that now is the best time to start doing so.
