Quantum Computing for Programmers

Review of previous edition: ‘There is a great deal of interest in quantum computing today. What many would like is a book that explains quantum computing to people who already know how to program conventional computers. This book successfully fills that need.’ David Patterson, 2017 ACM A. M. Turing Award LaureateReview of previous edition: ‘There is a critical need for quantum software engineers in the emerging quantum computing industry. Robert Hundt is a classical software engineer who presents quantum computing as simply as possible to others with a similar background. This book could be the perfect vehicle for many interested in this emerging area.’ Fred Chong, Seymour Goodman Professor, University of ChicagoReview of previous edition: ‘Quantum mechanics, the century old theory underlying modern physics and chemistry, has a reputation for being incomprehensible. Professional physicists have a standard approach to this conundrum: ‘Shut up and calculate!’. This book provides an alternative much better suited to the programmers of the XXI century interested in quantum computing: ‘Shut up and program!’.’ Sergio Boixo, GoogleReview of previous edition: ‘This book strikes just the right balance between theory and practice. Exploring quantum computing from the perspective of a classical programmer, using software and simulators to explain all concepts and algorithms, leads to an intuitive, accessible, yet deep learning experience. I highly recommend this book!’ Kunle Olukotun, Cadence Design Professor, Stanford UniversityReview of previous edition: ‘This book takes a unique approach of introducing quantum computing with a combination of precise but manageable mathematics, open-source code, and detailed derivations of many core quantum algorithms, which makes it an ideal learning resource for the community of software programmers, including both students and professionals, to explore the fascinating land of quantum computing.’ Jason Cong, Volgenau Chair for Engineering Excellence, UCLA

Robert Hundt is a Google Distinguished Engineer, leading system software development for Google’s TPU machine-learning supercomputers, including the XLA compiler for TPU, GPU and CPU. He also worked on an open-source CUDA compiler and the high-level synthesis toolchain XLS. He has over twenty-five scientific publications, holds thirty-eight patents, and is a senior member of IEEE.