Quantum Information and Computing for Beginners: Basics of Qubit Transformations and Quantum Algorithms

Abstract Quantum information and quantum computing are based on the concept and manipulation of qubits. In this pedagogical Tutorial–written with the aim of assisting self-motivated undergraduate mathematics, physics, and engineering students–transformation of these qubits, especially the Hadamard transformation (H) and the phase shifter transformation (Φ), is illustrated. Two-qubit gates and their application in production of entangled states, along with quantum algorithms (including Deutsch–Jozsa algorithm), are included as well. With 2025 being declared as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ) by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), under the leadership of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the timeliness and relevance of this Tutorial, in order to nudge the budding researchers in the “quantum” direction, cannot be emphasized enough.