What are some prerequisites to learning about quantum algorithms?

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Quantum computing encompasses a vast range of topics, integrating fundamental physics with computer science and engineering. For those with a background in computer science and complexity, focusing on quantum algorithms may be more beneficial than delving deeply into quantum mechanics. Recommended literature includes "Quantum Computation and Quantum Information" by Nielsen and Chuang, which effectively covers both the essential physics and algorithms. The field of quantum computing remains largely theoretical due to the current limitations in hardware, making practical testing of many concepts challenging. Understanding quantum gates can be approached similarly to traditional computing, where a deep knowledge of underlying physics is not necessary for application.
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i'm very interested in quantum computing and i'd like to learn more about quantum algorithms (and the actual hardware portion if possible). I'm learning introductory quantum mechanics but I have a good grasp of computer science, complexity etc. Can anyone recommend me any books to learn more?
 
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Nielsen&Chang "Quantum Computation and Quantum Information" is a very good book. It covers both the basic physics and algorithms.

Quantum computing is a HUGE field which involves everything from very fundamental physics to CS (just like regular computing). However, if you are specifically interested in algorithms a CS or math background is probably more useful than an understanding of QM. As long as you do not have to worry about HOW to realize a quantum gate the rest is "only" CS and engineering (just as you do not need to understand semiconductor physics in order to understand how to use an AND gate in ordinary computing).

That said, the CS part of quantum computing is stil a very small field, mainly because there is no way to actually test most of the ideas since we don't yet have the hardware.
 

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