12 Conclusions and outlook

 

This chapter covers

  • Reviewing essential quantum computing concepts introduced throughout the book
  • The importance of the butterfly computing pattern
  • Running experiments on real quantum computers
  • An overview of additional quantum solutions, including optimization problems and Shor’s algorithm

This book is designed to be a foundational resource for quantum computing developers. With the knowledge you gained throughout the book, you are better equipped to design and implement quantum solutions.

In this chapter, we will review (and expand on) important concepts introduced in the book. We will also briefly discuss some areas that are beyond the scope of this book but are important to be aware of, such as encoding and optimizing polynomials with noninteger coefficients and factorization using Shor’s algorithm.

12.1 Quantum concepts in review

Quantum computing can be used to solve specific problems in areas like truly random sampling, optimization, and machine learning. Quantum approaches can speed up or improve the quality of certain classical solutions, and quantum computing applications will likely be specialized computations used in conjunction with classical computing. To become a successful adopter of quantum computing solutions, a strong understanding of what quantum computers can and cannot do is necessary.

12.1.1 Quantum readiness

12.1.2 Quantum advantage and its limitations

12.2 Building quantum software and running on real quantum computers

12.2.1 The importance of a fast, flexible quantum simulator

12.2.2 Source-level compatibility between Hume and Qiskit

12.2.3 Running on real quantum hardware

12.2.4 Quantum assistant

12.3 Revisiting quantum gates and the butterfly pattern

12.3.1 Another look at single-qubit gates and the butterfly pattern

12.4 Quantum states as an image

12.4.1 Visualizing quantum state evolution

12.5 Combinatorial optimization problems

12.5.1 Encoding polynomials with noninteger coefficients

12.5.2 Shor’s factorization algorithm

Summary