How can you develop problem solving skills for quantum computing?

Some people who are not engineers or technical at all will want to start with a strong mathematical foundation in the following areas: Linear Algebra Complex Numbers Probability Theory Calculus Boolean Logic These topics provide the mathematical cornerstones for the principles that govern quantum systems, such as superposition and entanglement. It’s important to master these prerequisites before you begin learning about quantum computing.

After grasping the fundamentals from the recommended resources, immediately dive into experimenting with elementary quantum circuits. This hands-on approach will familiarize you with the diverse gates utilized in quantum computing. From my experience, engaging in hands-on experimentation with your circuits and exploring code is unparalleled.

Understanding the relatable future with the present is the ultimate satisfaction of being in a "Quantum State, which is itself in it’s fundamental existence.

Richard Feynman said:"There is a difference in knowing something and knowing just the Name of something." Quantum mechanics needs a huge mathematical knowledge. The Schrödinger equation is not like 2x=6. You need to understand operators, wavefunctions,three dimensional partial differential equations, complex functions, matrices, eigenvalues, vectors. And that is just the mathematical part. There is also a lot of mechanics in quantum mechanics. The theory of vibrations and waves, electromagnetic interactions, Lagrange functions and the hamiltonian principle. That is nothing you can learn with a few ebooks and some videos. It takes years to learn a the basics and you need to learn it from professionals. In other words: go to a university.

The first thing to do before starting to learn quantum computer is to #unlearn! Correct, unlearn everything you have learned about computer and the classical digital way of inner workings. Classical and quantum computers have some things in common, but if you want to understand them, forget about the classical computers and start from scratch. In for quantum computing learning mathematics like linear algebra, statistics, complex numbers, matrix calculations, some trigonometry. After that you can start to learn QC. Yes, this is maybe a painful way, but it is from my point of view the best way.

In my experience, tackling quantum puzzles with a companion can be immensely beneficial, as solving them alone can be overwhelming. Joining online communities dedicated to quantum puzzles provides an opportunity to make friends, share knowledge, and learn collaboratively within the community.

For hands-on practice, I start to solve Pennylane Challenges... the good things about them is started from easy ones and step by step get harder. For example, I knew how simulators work but in one of these challenges I had to search and learn more to perform random samples truly...

Quantum "advantage" is a poorly defined term. It substituted "supremacy" and is now being replaced by "utility," which is closer to what matters: demonstrating that quantum computers can do useful things. Finding applications that can display such utility is research, and the very definition of "utility" is application-dependent. It could be an ML model that generalizes better. It could be an eigensolver that finds multiple degenerate solutions to an optimization problem. Exploring quantum applications today has nothing to do with algorithms that require millions of fault-tolerant qubits (Shor's or Grover's, as mentioned in this post). It's about expanding domain knowledge by incorporating quantum information processing into methodologies.

I'm searching for quantum computing PhD position, so always looking for quantum communities, anywhere you can imagine! recently I found a discord server, but it seems not very active also, I think participate in quantum events is the best way to find groups or people with quantum interests. QHack is going to run soon

Platforms like meetup.com makes it easy to connect to local and even international communities related to quantum. "Thanks" to corona, most of the meetups there are doing virtual events via Zoom or even LinkedIn . This makes it very simple to participate in an event, if you are willing to get online in the middle of the night, since the difference in the timezone.

You want to test drive a wide range of hardware to determine which backends to use when, and then you want to develop familiarity with your backend(s) of choice. Every quantum computer is unique, so using one is like driving a car. If you can drive one you can drive them all, transmissions notwithstanding, but your driving performance is best on the vehicle(s) you operate most frequently.

Ultimately it is of great essence to understand different quantum computing platforms that exist. There's a pool of platforms such as solid state systems(solid state defects such as NV centers, Si, SiC vacancy and quantum dots), superconducting qubits, trapped ions etc. Building a two-level system is the fundamental building block of a qubit, in computing platforms involving manipulating different physical systems to achieve quantum states that can represent 0, 1 or their superposition. This lies in the core to understand the physical quantum platforms and then comes maintaining coherence, applying gates, error correction and scaling up. Each platform has its own set of challenges and advantages making it important to understand them.

Exploring the multifaceted realm of quantum computing platforms, including superconducting, photonic, and ion-trap quantum computing, adds a vital layer to your educational odyssey. Each platform offers distinct advantages and drawbacks customized to the execution of particular algorithms. Acquainting yourself with these platforms not only expands your comprehension of quantum computing but also furnishes you with the discernment required to select the most appropriate platform for a specific algorithm or problem. This comprehensive exploration contributes to your adaptability and proficiency, empowering you to navigate the intricate landscapes of quantum computing with confidence and insight.

Finally: don't believe the hype! Not everything is a great and shiny as it seems. Quantum computing is great and fascinating, but it is still a young field. And stay curious 😎

Don't assume the problem is quantum. Classical code is everywhere and classical code has bugs. They could be your bugs; they could be others' bugs. Hardware could have an off calibration. One qubit with a really high error rate can throw off a whole histogram. You have to consider from your knowledge to your results and all points in between.