5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful little book, but not quite for everyone

A.R. · 19 May 2019

In less than 200 pages of delightfully lucid mathematical prose, Chris Bernhardt has crafted a truly masterful introduction to the otherwise forbidding field of quantum computation for anyone with high-school math who is prepared to put in the hours to master the finer points. As he modestly says, the last twenty years have brought great advances in the clarity of some of the required elements here, plus agreement on what needs to be said and what can safely be left for a later run through the topic. I tackled a 700-page “introductory” text on all this twenty years ago and was frankly defeated by half of it, despite a career that involved deep dives into quantum theory and computer science. Now, to my great relief, the key ideas seem smooth and logical.Bernhardt makes it easy from the start by limiting his scope to what he can explain without complex numbers, which I thought was flunking out until I saw how much he managed to say without loss of rigor within that limit. Inevitably, there was a sacrifice, and he had to stop short of explaining quantum Fourier transforms and Shor’s algorithm, which is a pity, but for most readers the trade-off will probably be good. I was delighted anew with just how elegantly Dirac algebra copes with all the hard work that comes with entangled states, and greatly relieved that Bernhardt spelled out all his derivations fully, so that one could read his text line by line with full understanding, rather than having to go off and make cryptic notes, or, worse, do fiddly exercises, before taking up the book again.Even more impressively, Bernhardt has managed to infuse what could otherwise have been a rather dull plod, to be fair, with his own excitement at the amazing new horizons opened up by the emergence of quantum computing as a new paradigm. As he says, and as we should expect from the parallel situation in physics almost a century ago, computation is quantum computation, and classical computation is only a special and limited case of it. Once we develop the technology, we shall doubtless see our present computers as clunky calculators that could never simulate reality except in the most superficial way. We shall simulate chemical reactions and biochemical processes so accurately that a new world of artificial life will be born, which makes a nice final frontier for us.On the practical side, I would have welcomed a smoother integration of the Bell inequalities into the narrative to flesh out the later discussion of quantum teleportation and encryption, and a fuller discussion of how Fredkin gates and billiard-ball computers relate to deeper discussions in physics, but this would likely go too far. I would have welcomed complex numbers too, if only to allow the text to explain Shor’s algorithm properly, but again this would burst the author’s self-imposed bounds. More trivially, I found about half a dozen typos, though none were bad enough to trip up a careful reader. In summary, this book is an excellent example of how to introduce tricky stuff to new readers – but it’s certainly not for everyone!

5.0 out of 5 stars Clear, excellent introduction

j.M. · 4 June 2019

I have two minor criticisms of the book: I think the editing could be improved slightly (so I hope there is a second edition) and I do think there might have been some value in touching on the use of complex numbers at the end.However, nits aside, I like this book. The author is absolutely correct in saying that some straightforward maths illuminates the subject in a way that text could not do. While the maths may look daunting it really isn't. The mathematical approach clearly explained a number of concepts that I've never felt happy with before. Having finished the book I have now found it much easier to approach some of the other literature in the area.

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting read about quantum computing

j. · 23 May 2019

This books gives you the theoretical and mathematical background of quantum computing and through that the difference to classical computing. I would maybe turn down the "for everyone" message on the front page, and rather say for everyone who likes mathematics and has a genuine interest to understand the theory. If you do, then you'll truly enjoy it!

5.0 out of 5 stars Intuitive

O. · 4 May 2024

You can tell the author went to great lengths to put himself in the shoes of an inexperienced reader and come up with intuitive explanations.Can recommend.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent coverage in a little book.

K. · 27 August 2020

This is a great introduction to quantum computers. If you are new to linear algebra, this chapter will slow you down, but you will get a good understanding of the language of this subject (you don't need to have an A level in maths though). This book is exactly what I was looking for.

5.0 out of 5 stars About as accessible as possible

b. · 27 July 2021

For eveyone? Probably not, by the writer makes a HUGE effort to make the topic accessible without ditching the essential minimum content.I found this book really helpful. Before reading it I had no idea how quantum computing could work. Now I have at least the basic understanding.I, for one, am very grateful for this book.

3.0 out of 5 stars The book has the wrong title.

b. · 21 June 2022

The book says itself that it is not about building quantum computers but about quantum maths, so why is it not titled quantum maths.

4.0 out of 5 stars No exercise...

B.B. · 15 May 2022

Great book but lake even if some demonstration are missing or weakly explain also the lake of exercice make the understanding superficial.

Extremely well written and accessible - but still don't underestimate the maths :)

J.D.P. · 20 February 2025

Really fascinating book, great attempt to make an exotic field accessible to a broad audience and a great introduction to and explanation of both quantum physics and quantum computing. The maths are however still very present (as they are essential to the explanation itself) and - although well explained - not to be underestimated. Having studied quite some maths and had an intro course in quantum physics I can follow everything rather well, but cannot guarantee it would be the same for everyone.

An accessible introduction to quantum computing

S.J.P. · 20 June 2024

Despite being around for decades, the words “quantum mechanics” still make eyes roll even in a room of educated people. Few really understand the phenomena. Among those more scientifically minded, some – thankfully fewer in number – still argue that quantum mechanics will give way someday to a more classical approach. The controversial part of quantum mechanics, which foiled even Albert Einstein, states that to measure the spin or velocity of an electron, one must interfere with the system permanently. This enmeshment of the measurer with the system confuses people, but numerous experiments highlight this paradox. It seems to be an innate part of the universe, not merely a technological limitation.Smart physicists and mathematicians have noticed an opportunity around quantum mechanics: We can address computational questions with its approach. A system of “qubits” can be used to address problems that classical computing cannot address. This observation has produced a new scientific field of quantum computing. Recently, major companies have begun to jump into this technology in a quest for early supremacy.Most textbooks use a lot of math to introduce quantum computing – rightfully so because mathematics provide the basis towards all computation. But a math-heavy approach makes the field relatively inaccessible. To address this shortcoming, Chris Bernhardt provides an introduction to the subject with less mathematics. The book teaches basic linear algebra needed to approach the subject. It’s still heavy on the words, not the mathematics, and draws out applications and challenges that confront the field.Since a child, I have loved mathematics and its creative expressivity. I enjoyed how Bernhardt introduced me to relevant concepts and drew me into quantum concepts. By the end of the book, however, I glazed over the mathematics in favor of just getting the book completed. Perhaps that is a personal failing, but it’s one that I witnessed in many of my college math classes, too!I found the next-to-last chapter on quantum algorithms the least accessible, but the last chapter on quantum applications was the most interesting. Those in the investment community can find a deep dive into this topic helpful to carefully discover future winners and losers in this burgeoning field. Quantum computing presently requires a lot of money to access, but presumably, like classical computing, that cost will go down with time. This field is fascinating to think about, and Bernhardt makes it truly accessible “for (almost) everyone.”

Me ha servido para entender la base y los algoritmos

E. · 16 August 2019

Es un libro relativamente breve que hace lo posible para simplificar las matemáticas de algo no trivial como la mecánica cuántica. Enseña algunos algoritmos de ejemplo para que se entienda el potencial.El libro ha escogido ser breve, conciso y atemporal centrándose en :- Principios básicos de computación cuántica- Algortimos de ejemplo- La mínima matemática y física necesariaLo que no es:- Un libro de mecánica cuántica- Un libro sobre el estado del hardware. Eso es algo que posiblemente cambie en cada momento- Un manual de física- Un libro de referencia con toda la matemática y todos los posibles algoritmos con el estado del arteDebo decir que yo parto de una formación de ingeniería que ya había dado mecánica cuántica en la carrera hace más de una década.

My thoughts on "Quantum Computing for Everyone" by Chris Bernhardt.

V.D. · 11 February 2021

This book provides a nice entry point for people interested in quantum computing. While some parts of the book could have been more in depth, it was never the intention of the author to overwhelm the readers with complex technical details, but to provide them with the necessary tools, knowledge and historical background to explore more advanced books and resources on quantum computing. While this book is aimed toward "everyone", basic knowledge in mathematics (linear algebra), physics and computer science/electrical engineering (for the logic gates) is a must-have to easily understand the ideas behind quantum computing presented by Chris Bernhardt. Overall, a great experience that I recommend to anyone interested in this topic and looking for a starting point.

Very good!

G. · 7 August 2024

I am satisfied with the purchase and highly recommend it! An important note is that knowledge of mathematics (linear functions) is required to understand it. The product itself is excellent.