Introduction to Qiskit of IBM

Qiskit in Simple Words:

Qiskit is like a big toolbox for using quantum computers. It helps people write and run programs on special computers called quantum computers, which are very different from the computers we use every day.

Main Parts of Qiskit:

1. Qiskit SDK:  

   This is the main tool in the Qiskit family. It helps you:

   - Build circuits (like making a recipe for quantum computers).  

   - Change and prepare circuits so they work well on quantum computers.  

   - Run small tests to check if your quantum circuits are working.

 Think of it like playing with LEGO blocks to build cool stuff, but for quantum computers.

2. Qiskit Runtime:  

   This is a service that connects your program to IBM’s quantum computers through the internet. It makes running programs faster and fixes errors that might happen when using a quantum computer.

 Imagine sending a letter to a super-smart robot to solve a puzzle for you, and it sends back the answer.

3.Qiskit Serverless

Qiskit Serverless is a tool that helps you easily use both quantum and classical computers together. It’s perfect for running big, smart programs that need different types of computers. You can run your programs on the cloud (online) and even keep them running when your computer is turned off. It also lets you use programs again and work faster by splitting the work into smaller tasks. You can install it using this command:

Qiskit Serverless is like a helper that makes all these robots work together. It’s like telling them, “Hey, you work on this piece, you work on that piece, and let’s put it together later!”

Even if your toy (laptop) is turned off, the robots keep working in the online playground (cloud) and don’t stop. And when you need to solve a similar puzzle again, you don’t need to start from scratch—you can use the old solution!

4. Extra Tools (Add-ons):

   These are like extra toys that make quantum programming easier or help discover new things. Some examples are:

   - Fixing errors when you measure results.

   - Running faster simulations on your regular computer.

Think of it like adding cool upgrades to your favorite video game.

5.Qiskit Functions

The Qiskit Functions Catalog is a collection of tools and services to make it easier to use quantum computers. These tools help users create and test quantum algorithms without worrying too much about the technical details of quantum hardware or software.

It has two main types of functions:

Circuit Functions

These are tools that work with quantum circuits (the instructions for quantum computers).

They help with tasks like:

Optimizing the circuits for better performance (transpilation).

Reducing and correcting errors in computations (error suppression and mitigation).

Making it easier to analyze the results after running the quantum program (post-processing).

These functions let users focus on discovering new algorithms and applications without needing to handle complicated technical issues.

Application Functions

These are full workflows for solving real-world problems.

They handle everything from converting regular (classical) problems into quantum problems to running them on quantum hardware and processing the results.

Users can test quantum solutions for industries like finance, chemistry, or machine learning with simple, familiar inputs and outputs.

Who Can Use It?

Premium Plan Members can access many tools right away.

Some tools are created by other companies (partners), and users can buy licenses for these tools if needed.

How to Get It?

You can install the catalog by running this command in your terminal:

pip install qiskit-ibm-catalog

In simple terms, this catalog is like a toolbox that makes quantum computing easier and faster to use, especially for those who want to develop new ideas or solve real-world problems.

6.IBM's Qiskit Transpiler:

IBM's Qiskit Transpiler as a Service is a new feature for IBM Quantum Premium Plan users. It lets you use cloud-based resources to improve how quantum programs are optimized (transpiled). This service offers more advanced features than the regular Qiskit transpiler, including AI-powered improvements.

You can install it using pip (a tool to download and install Python packages).

Simple Explanation:

The Qiskit Transpiler Service is like a helper for making your quantum programs run better. Normally, you use Qiskit on your computer to prepare your programs. Now, with this new service, you can send your work to IBM's cloud, where they use powerful computers and AI tools to make your program even better.

This service is useful for people who are part of IBM’s premium plan and want to use more advanced tools. It’s easy to get started—just install it using the pip command in Python.

If you want to learn how to use it, you can check their guide!

7. Qiskit Ecosystem:  

   Qiskit works with other tools, even ones not made by IBM. These tools make it easier to simulate, visualize, and test quantum programs.  

   Imagine having a library with books and gadgets to help you learn even more.

How to Start:

1. Install Qiskit using this command:  

   `pip install qiskit`

2. Write your first program using the guide.

3. If you want more advanced features, you can install extra tools like Qiskit Runtime or addons using similar commands.

Why It’s Cool:  

Qiskit helps scientists and learners play with quantum computers. It’s open-source, which means anyone can use it and even help improve it. IBM is working hard to make quantum computer.