Roadmap for learning quantum computing

Abstract

Quantum computing emerges as a radically different information processing paradigm than classical computing, as it relies on phenomena inherent to quantum mechanics—such as superposition and entanglement—to operate with qubits instead of bits. Recent advances in the development of quantum computers have sparked growing interest among students, educators, researchers, and professionals in classical computing.These students face unique challenges, not only due to the emerging maturity of quantum technology but also due to the need to expand their training on several fronts. Understanding the underlying algebra and physics, addressing new notions of computational complexity, and exploring application domains where classical computing has little presence are some of the main challenges they must face. In response to these challenges, a range of literature and educational proposals emerges that, in addition to being dynamic, is highly diverse in approach and level of complexity. Defining and maintaining a learning path tailored to each individual's expectations and foundations constitutes a first, and sometimes insurmountable, challenge. This article presents advances in better understanding this challenge, based on the experiences of two advanced computer science undergraduate students who approached the topic using different strategies and reference sources.
This analysis seeks to draw lessons about knowledge appropriation methods in this emerging field of computer science, with a special emphasis on students from traditional computing backgrounds.