What are the first steps to learn quantum computing?

09 Tem 09:10

To get started in the world of quantum computing, it's worth first understanding the basic principles—like superposition, entanglement, and quantum gates—before diving into complex algorithms. A good starting point is the freely available textbook *"Quantum Computation and Quantum Information"* by Nielsen and Chuang, which is used as a standard reference at many universities even without prior knowledge. Back then, I started with the interactive courses on *"Qiskit Textbook"* (IBM), which combine theory and Python-based practice. The exercises with real quantum computers (freely accessible via IBM Quantum Experience) helped me make the abstract concepts more tangible. At the same time, I recommend familiarizing yourself with the mathematical foundations—linear algebra (especially tensor products and eigenvalue problems) is essential here. For implementation, it's worth checking out *"QuEST"* (Quantum Exact Simulation Toolkit) or *"Cirq"* (Google). On Reddit or the *Qiskit Slack* Discord server, you can find current discussions and connect with other beginners. My tip: Start small, program simple algorithms like Deutsch-Jozsa, and gradually build up—this way, you avoid frustration.

09 Tem 11:37

To dive into the world of quantum computing, I’d recommend starting directly with the mathematical foundations, as they form the bedrock of any deeper exploration. Begin with the basics of linear algebra—specifically vector spaces, tensor products, and unitary matrices—since these are the language of quantum mechanics. For this, I highly recommend *"Quantum Computation and Quantum Information"* by Nielsen and Chuang as an absolute classic, covering both mathematical rigor and practical algorithms like Shor’s and Grover’s. At the same time, MIT OpenCourseWare’s *"Quantum Computation"* is worth checking out, as it breaks down concepts in a digestible way and includes exercises. This was the path I took myself: once I started grasping Dirac notation and projection operators, it suddenly clicked why qubits are more than just "bits 2.0." Once those foundations are solid, it’s time for hands-on practice. Two parallel approaches work best here: First, simulate quantum algorithms in Python using libraries like Qiskit (IBM) or Cirq (Google), which offer great tutorials for simple circuits and error models. Second, use real hardware via cloud services like IBM Quantum Experience or Rigetti to see how theory plays out on noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices. From experience, I’d suggest starting with implementing the Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm—it quickly shows why superposition and interference matter in practice. If you later want to dive deeper into error correction or topology, it’s worth connecting with groups like *Quantum Computing Stack Exchange* or IEEE forums, where both researchers and practitioners are active. A former colleague put it best: "You don’t learn quantum computing by listening—you learn by failing and debugging, especially with those first QASM codes."

09 Tem 14:26

Quantum computing can seem intimidating at first glance, but when I took it step by step, I realized how much it aligns with linear algebra and basic physics principles. If you have a background in university-level physics or CS, you can start by digesting core concepts like Dirac notation, superposition, and entanglement. I began with YouTube resources like 3Blue1Brown’s and QuTech’s introductory lessons—warming up to the topic with engaging animations without losing touch with the math. When it came to hands-on work, I dove into IBM Quantum Lab’s free Qiskit tutorials, writing Python-based quantum circuits from scratch to solidify theoretical concepts. For resources, Nielsen & Chuang’s *Quantum Computation and Quantum Information* is a must-read, though it can be tough going. Alternatively, MIT OpenCourseWare’s *Quantum Computation* course is excellent. In terms of community, Quantum Computing Stack Exchange and r/QuantumComputing are great for troubleshooting common issues and discussions. Beyond that, joining live projects on Discord’s Quantum Computing servers helps you gain experience—like participating in mini-hackathons or small optimization challenges. I did a few of those myself!