Computer Science Books Worth Reading Before Learning Quantum Computing

[HollowSentinel]

Before jumping into qubits, gates, and quantum algorithms, it helps to build a stronger computer science base than most quick introductions assume. Algorithmic thinking, discrete maths, computation theory, and abstraction all make quantum computing feel less mysterious later. Introduction to Algorithms, third edition is a serious foundation for algorithms, while Concrete Mathematics: A Foundation for Computer Science is excellent for the maths style that turns up again and again. I would also add Introduction to the Theory of Computation for automata and complexity, and Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs for learning to think clearly about programs.

[BlueFalcon]

This is a better route than starting with quantum mechanics and getting lost straight away. A bit of algorithms and theory first makes the later material much easier to place.

[Courier53]

Concrete Mathematics is not light reading, but it teaches exactly the sort of careful symbolic thinking that quantum computing needs.

[TheLegendBrett88]

Sipser belongs on this list because complexity theory matters a lot once people start talking about quantum speedups.

[StuckOnDestiny]

I like seeing SICP included. It is not a quantum book, but it does train the kind of abstraction that helps with hard technical subjects.