QNotation: A Visual Browser-Based Notation Translator for Learning Quantum Computing

One of the initial challenges of learning Quantum Computing is understanding the different notations used in the field. It is crucial that learners understand the different notations used in Quantum Computing in order to ensure that they can develop a robust comprehension of the field by being able to make use of variety of resources. Depending on their technical background, some learners may struggle with certain notations more than others. We present QNotation, a browser-based tool that helps learners explore notations in Quantum Computing by translating between a quantum circuit of the learner's choice to circuit, Dirac, and matrix notation. This allows the learner to be able to identify the differences and similarities between the different notations. QNotation was built to be used throughout one's foundational Quantum Computing learning journey. While users may start using the tool to learn the aforementioned notations, they can continue to use QNotation later on to help them learn how other core Quantum Computing concepts work. In addition to being able to load one's own quantum circuits, multiple pre-composed examples, including Quantum Fourier Transform and Grover's search algorithm, can be loaded into the tool to be explored and modified by the learner. We also present sample questions for using QNotation in the classroom. These questions focus around using QNotation to teach the aforementioned notations as well as foundational Quantum Computing concepts.