Bottom Line

Quantum computing is real—it’s no longer just theory and wishful thinking, nor do you need pots of money to use one. It has literally come to a theater near you.

Unlike other kinds of computer technology, quantum computing works on a totally different set of principles and needs specialized hardware. As a result, classical code won’t work on them. You have to rewrite your programs from the ground up.

Although I glossed over several aspects of running the Hotel Scheduling Problem on a quantum computer, I wanted to drive home the point that quantum programs are:

• Not isolated statements that do nothing useful other than demonstrate esoteric concepts; they can do useful computations for standard applications.

• Like conventional programs in the sense that you use standard interfaces to program and get your code to execute on them—you’re not working in lab coats in sterile environments on particle accelerators.

• Programmable using standard statements. While these types of computers are based on quantum mechanics, the programming statements are mundane—no arcane constructs—and use familiar programming instructions.

In the next chapter, we’ll learn about quantum mechanics principles in a way that emphasizes its connection with computer science and makes the quantum aspects more concrete.