This skill introduces quantum compilation as the process of translating abstract quantum circuits into executable instructions on the hardware. Learners examine how logical circuits are mapped onto physical qubits, how gate sets and connectivity constraints affect compilation, and how optimisation techniques are used to reduce circuit depth and error accumulation. The focus is on understanding compilation as a critical systems layer between algorithms and hardware.

• QC1.3 Multi-Qubit Systems and the Gate Model of Quantum Computation
• QC5.1 Qubit Technologies and Physical Platforms

• Explain the purpose of quantum compilation and transpilation.
• Describe how logical qubits and gates are mapped onto physical qubits and native gate sets.
• Explain the impact of qubit connectivity and hardware constraints on compiled circuits.
• Describe common compilation objectives, such as reducing circuit depth and gate count.
• Explain why compilation quality has a significant impact on practical algorithm performance.
• Analyse a simple quantum circuit to identify changes required by a restricted native gate set or qubit-connectivity graph.