preface

The future of quantum computing lies not just in the hands of quantum physicists but also in those of software developers who will integrate quantum solutions into mainstream applications. The motivation for this book grew from experiences at two financial institutions, where it became clear that developers will be central to the creation and adoption of practical, real-world quantum computing applications. A common misconception is that quantum computing requires an advanced physics or mathematics background. In reality, developers already possess much of the knowledge needed to understand and work with quantum computing. The challenge is not mathematical complexity but connecting familiar computing concepts to quantum computing’s “strange” principles. This is the core message of this book.

We build this bridge through extensive visual representations and by focusing on computational structures that showcase quantum computing’s unique advantages. Wave-like structures with periodic patterns, in particular, demonstrate where quantum approaches dramatically outperform classical ones. These periodic signals enable “embarrassingly parallel” quantum implementations, where a maximum number of operations occur simultaneously. The Fourier transform—a fundamental tool for working with periodic signals—is the cornerstone of many quantum algorithms, including Shor’s famous factorization algorithm.