A Practical Guide to Quantum Computing
Hands-on approach to quantum computing with Qiskit
Published on 30. July 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
512 pages
978-1-83588-594-9 (ISBN)
Description
Learn about quantum information processing with Qiskit through hands-on projects. A foundational resource for STEM professionals, researchers and university students interested in quantum computers and algorithms.
Key Features
Understand the theoretical foundations of quantum computing
Learn how to use the Qiskit framework and how to run quantum algorithms with it
Discover top quantum algorithms like Grover's search and Shor's factoring methods
Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook
Book DescriptionThis book is an introduction, from scratch, to quantum computing and the most important and foundational quantum algorithms-ranging from humble protocols such as Deutsch's algorithm to ones with far-reaching potential, such as Shor's factoring algorithm-offering clear explanations and a hands-on approach with runnable code on simulators and real hardware. The book is self-contained and does not assume any previous experience in quantum computing. Starting with a single qubit, it scales to algorithms using superposition and entanglement.
At every step, examples of applications are provided, including how to create quantum money that is impossible to forge, quantum cryptography that cannot be broken, and algorithms for searching and factoring that are much faster than those that regular, non-quantum computers can use. Code for each of these algorithms is provided (and explained in detail) using Qiskit 2.1.
After reading this book, you will understand how quantum algorithms work, how to write your own quantum programs, and how to run them on quantum simulators and actual quantum computers. You will also be prepared to take the jump into quantum algorithms for optimization and artificial intelligence, like those presented in our previous book, A Practical Guide to Quantum Machine Learning and Quantum Optimization.
What you will learn
Understand what makes a quantum computer unique
Mathematically represent the state of multi-qubit systems
Describe the effects of measurements in quantum computers
Know how quantum superposition, entanglement, and interference work
Implement and run any quantum algorithm in Qiskit
Understand how Shor's and Grover's algorithms work
Gain familiarity with quantum fault-tolerance and quantum advantage
Who this book is forThis book would be ideal for university-level students in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or other STEM fields taking introductory-level courses on quantum computing. It also suits professionals, researchers and self-learners with a STEM background. Potential readers of our previous book, A Practical Guide to Quantum Machine Learning and Quantum Optimization, will benefit from first building foundational quantum computing skills with this book.
Key Features
Understand the theoretical foundations of quantum computing
Learn how to use the Qiskit framework and how to run quantum algorithms with it
Discover top quantum algorithms like Grover's search and Shor's factoring methods
Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook
Book DescriptionThis book is an introduction, from scratch, to quantum computing and the most important and foundational quantum algorithms-ranging from humble protocols such as Deutsch's algorithm to ones with far-reaching potential, such as Shor's factoring algorithm-offering clear explanations and a hands-on approach with runnable code on simulators and real hardware. The book is self-contained and does not assume any previous experience in quantum computing. Starting with a single qubit, it scales to algorithms using superposition and entanglement.
At every step, examples of applications are provided, including how to create quantum money that is impossible to forge, quantum cryptography that cannot be broken, and algorithms for searching and factoring that are much faster than those that regular, non-quantum computers can use. Code for each of these algorithms is provided (and explained in detail) using Qiskit 2.1.
After reading this book, you will understand how quantum algorithms work, how to write your own quantum programs, and how to run them on quantum simulators and actual quantum computers. You will also be prepared to take the jump into quantum algorithms for optimization and artificial intelligence, like those presented in our previous book, A Practical Guide to Quantum Machine Learning and Quantum Optimization.
What you will learn
Understand what makes a quantum computer unique
Mathematically represent the state of multi-qubit systems
Describe the effects of measurements in quantum computers
Know how quantum superposition, entanglement, and interference work
Implement and run any quantum algorithm in Qiskit
Understand how Shor's and Grover's algorithms work
Gain familiarity with quantum fault-tolerance and quantum advantage
Who this book is forThis book would be ideal for university-level students in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or other STEM fields taking introductory-level courses on quantum computing. It also suits professionals, researchers and self-learners with a STEM background. Potential readers of our previous book, A Practical Guide to Quantum Machine Learning and Quantum Optimization, will benefit from first building foundational quantum computing skills with this book.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Birmingham
United Kingdom
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 191 mm
Thickness: 28 mm
Weight
946 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-83588-594-9 (9781835885949)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Elias F. Combarro holds degrees in both Mathematics (1997, second highest grades in Spain) and Computer Science (2002, highest grades in Spain). After some research visits at the Novosibirsk State University (Russia), he obtained a Ph.D. in Mathematics (2001). Since 2023, Elias F. Combarro has been a full professor at the Computer Science Department of the University of Oviedo (Spain). He has been a visiting scientist at CERN and Harvard University. Currently, he is Spain representative in the Advisory Board of CERN Quantum Technology Initiative, a member of the Advisory Board of SheQuantum and one of the founders of QSpain. He is one of the authors of A Practical Guide to Quantum Machine Learning and Quantum Optimization (Packt, 2023).
Samuel Gonzalez-Castillo holds degrees from the University of Oviedo (Spain) in Mathematics and Physics (2021) and a Research Master's Degree in Mathematics from Maynooth University (2023). He is a mathematics research student and graduate teaching assistant at the University of Oviedo, focusing on applying algebraic techniques to problems in quantum computing. In 2021, he developed a benchmarking framework for quantum simulators at CERN openlab. He has contributed to several conferences on quantum computing, including the Quantum Technology International Conference and the Conference on Computing in High Energy and Nuclear Physics. He is the co-author of A Practical Guide to Quantum Machine Learning and Quantum Optimization (Packt, 2023).
Samuel Gonzalez-Castillo holds degrees from the University of Oviedo (Spain) in Mathematics and Physics (2021) and a Research Master's Degree in Mathematics from Maynooth University (2023). He is a mathematics research student and graduate teaching assistant at the University of Oviedo, focusing on applying algebraic techniques to problems in quantum computing. In 2021, he developed a benchmarking framework for quantum simulators at CERN openlab. He has contributed to several conferences on quantum computing, including the Quantum Technology International Conference and the Conference on Computing in High Energy and Nuclear Physics. He is the co-author of A Practical Guide to Quantum Machine Learning and Quantum Optimization (Packt, 2023).
Content
Table of Contents
What Is (and What Is Not) a Quantum Computer?
Qubits, Gates, and Measurements
Applications and Protocols with One Qubit
Coding One-Qubit Protocols in Qiskit
How to Work with Two Qubits
Applications and Protocols with Two Qubits
Coding Two-Qubit Algorithms in Qiskit
How to Work with Many Qubits
The Full Power of Quantum Algorithms
Coding with Many Qubits in Qiskit
Finding the Period and Factoring Numbers
Searching and Counting with a Quantum Computer
Coding Shor and Grover's Algorithms in Qiskit
Quantum Error Correction and Fault Tolerance
Experiments for Quantum Advantage
Appendices
What Is (and What Is Not) a Quantum Computer?
Qubits, Gates, and Measurements
Applications and Protocols with One Qubit
Coding One-Qubit Protocols in Qiskit
How to Work with Two Qubits
Applications and Protocols with Two Qubits
Coding Two-Qubit Algorithms in Qiskit
How to Work with Many Qubits
The Full Power of Quantum Algorithms
Coding with Many Qubits in Qiskit
Finding the Period and Factoring Numbers
Searching and Counting with a Quantum Computer
Coding Shor and Grover's Algorithms in Qiskit
Quantum Error Correction and Fault Tolerance
Experiments for Quantum Advantage
Appendices