What are the recent advances in the field of quantum computing and high-performance computing? And what Python tools can you use to develop programs that run on quantum computers? This week on the show, Real Python author Negar Vahid discusses her tutorial, “Quantum Computing Basics With Qiskit.” Negar digs into the fundamentals of quantum computers, describing qubits, superposition, entanglement, and interference. We discuss the concept of quantum advantage and the fields of exploration where quantum computing promises speed-ups over classical computers. She also shares tools for designing quantum circuits with Python. Course Spotlight: Profiling Performance in Python Learn to profile Python programs with built-in and popular third-party tools, and turn performance insights into faster code. Topics: 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:01:31 – Writing for Real Python 00:02:37 – What drew you to quantum computing? 00:04:27 – What is quantum advantage? 00:07:10 – Quantum computing basics article 00:09:32 – Linear algebra 00:10:32 – What is a quantum computer? 00:14:52 – Superconducting devices 00:17:29 – Looking for ways to advance computing 00:19:17 – Superposition of qubits and entanglement 00:22:43 – Video Course Spotlight 00:24:27 – Potential areas of research 00:26:45 – IBM quantum computing & Qiskit 00:29:43 – Describing superposition as a spinning coin 00:30:41 – Other types of quantum computers 00:32:08 – Qiskit Global Summer School 2025 00:32:48 – Qiskit Advocate 00:33:49 – What do you see in the near future? 00:37:42 – What are the type of HPCs? 00:40:05 – Additional resources to learn more 00:43:32 – Answering to skeptics 00:47:51 – What are you excited about in the world of Python? 00:48:24 – What do you want to learn next? 00:49:04 – What’s the best way to follow your work online? 00:49:25 – Thanks and goodbye Show Links: Quantum Computing Basics With Qiskit Quantum mechanics - Wikipedia Qubit - Wikipedia Quantum superposition - Wikipedia Quantum entanglement - Wikipedia Quantum supremacy - Wikipedia Linear Algebra in Python: Matrix Inverses and Least Squares – Real Python Linear Algebra - Khan Academy Quantum Echoes: Towards real world applications - YouTube Meet Willow, our state-of-the-art quantum chip IBM and Vanguard explore quantum optimization for finance Register today for Qiskit Global Summer School 2025 Aqora: Explore Quantum Computing for Real-World Applications Qiskit - IBM Quantum Computing IBM Quantum Platform Cirq - Google Quantum AI Xanadu - PennyLane Classiq - Quantum Computing Software - Limitless Development | Computer architecture - Wikipedia NumPy uv About Negar Vahid – Real Python The Path Integral Negar Vahid - LinkedIn Level up your Python skills with our expert-led courses: Profiling Performance in Python NumPy Techniques and Practical Examples Python Project Management With uv Support the podcast & join our community of Pythonistas