autoresearch-quantum/notebooks/00_START_HERE.ipynb

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    "# Autoresearch Quantum \u2014 Start Here\n",
    "\n",
    "Welcome to the **Autoresearch Quantum** course: an interactive exploration of encoded magic-state preparation using the [[4,2,2]] quantum error-detecting code.\n",
    "\n",
    "This course offers **four learning plans**. Each covers the same core material \u2014 quantum error detection, noise modelling, scoring, and automated optimisation \u2014 but at a different pace, depth, and style. **Pick the one that fits you best.**"
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    "---\n",
    "## Choose Your Learning Plan\n",
    "\n",
    "| Plan | Style | Who is it for? | Start here |\n",
    "|------|-------|----------------|------------|\n",
    "| **A \u2014 Sequential** | Three notebooks, gentle build-up | Learners who prefer a structured, step-by-step introduction | [Plan A \u2014 Notebook 1](plan_a/01_encoded_magic_state.ipynb) |\n",
    "| **B \u2014 Spiral** | One long notebook, three passes at increasing depth | Learners who like seeing the whole picture first, then zooming in | [Plan B \u2014 Spiral Notebook](plan_b/spiral_notebook.ipynb) |\n",
    "| **C \u2014 Parallel Tracks** | Dashboard + three independent deep-dive tracks | Experienced learners who want to explore topics in any order | [Plan C \u2014 Dashboard](plan_c/00_dashboard.ipynb) |\n",
    "| **D \u2014 Hypothesis-Driven** | Three experiments, each testing a hypothesis | Research-minded learners who think in hypotheses and evidence | [Plan D \u2014 Experiment 1](plan_d/experiment_1_protection.ipynb) |"
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    "---\n",
    "## Plan Details\n",
    "\n",
    "### Plan A \u2014 Sequential (3 notebooks)\n",
    "A gentle, linear path through the material:\n",
    "1. **[Notebook 1: Building an Encoded Magic State](plan_a/01_encoded_magic_state.ipynb)** \u2014 construct the [[4,2,2]] code and verify stabilisers\n",
    "2. **[Notebook 2: Measuring Progress](plan_a/02_measuring_progress.ipynb)** \u2014 add noise, define a scoring metric, evaluate quality\n",
    "3. **[Notebook 3: The Ratchet](plan_a/03_the_ratchet.ipynb)** \u2014 automated optimisation via the ratchet algorithm\n",
    "\n",
    "### Plan B \u2014 Spiral (1 notebook)\n",
    "One continuous notebook with three passes:\n",
    "- **Pass 1:** Run the machine, watch it work, get curious\n",
    "- **Pass 2:** Understand what each component does\n",
    "- **Pass 3:** Take the wheel and drive the optimiser yourself\n",
    "\n",
    "**\u2192 [Start Plan B](plan_b/spiral_notebook.ipynb)**\n",
    "\n",
    "### Plan C \u2014 Parallel Tracks (4 notebooks)\n",
    "A hub-and-spoke design for self-directed exploration:\n",
    "- **[Dashboard](plan_c/00_dashboard.ipynb)** \u2014 interactive control room (keep open alongside tracks)\n",
    "- **[Track A: Physics](plan_c/track_a_physics.ipynb)** \u2014 the quantum error-detecting code\n",
    "- **[Track B: Engineering](plan_c/track_b_engineering.ipynb)** \u2014 noise, transpilation, cost\n",
    "- **[Track C: Search](plan_c/track_c_search.ipynb)** \u2014 optimisation and the ratchet\n",
    "\n",
    "*Recommended order: start with the Dashboard, then work through Track A \u2192 B \u2192 C, returning to the Dashboard between tracks.*\n",
    "\n",
    "### Plan D \u2014 Hypothesis-Driven (3 notebooks)\n",
    "Each notebook tests a hypothesis, building on the previous result:\n",
    "1. **[Experiment 1: Can error detection protect a magic state?](plan_d/experiment_1_protection.ipynb)**\n",
    "2. **[Experiment 2: How much magic survives real-world noise?](plan_d/experiment_2_noise.ipynb)**\n",
    "3. **[Experiment 3: Can a machine learn to optimise preparation?](plan_d/experiment_3_optimisation.ipynb)**"
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    "---\n",
    "## Not Sure Which Plan to Pick?\n",
    "\n",
    "- **New to quantum computing?** Start with **Plan A** \u2014 it introduces each concept one at a time.\n",
    "- **Short on time?** Try **Plan B** \u2014 the first pass takes about 5 minutes and gives you the full picture.\n",
    "- **Already familiar with quantum error correction?** Jump to **Plan C** and explore the tracks that interest you.\n",
    "- **Research-oriented?** **Plan D** mirrors the scientific method \u2014 hypothesis, experiment, conclusion.\n",
    "\n",
    "All four plans cover the same core ideas. You can always switch plans or revisit material from another plan later.\n",
    "\n",
    "---\n",
    "*See [learning_objectives.md](learning_objectives.md) for detailed learning outcomes mapped to each plan.*"
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