What is the quantum computer and why is it a revolution ? 🖥️

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We’re kicking off the week with a #AskGriots from one of our loyal readers, about quantum computers.

Classical vs. quantum computers 🖥️

Our current computers operate on microchips containing billions of tiny switches that are either on (1) or off (0). It is with this combination of 0 and 1 that all data and calculations are performed.

Quantum computers, on the other hand, don’t have conventional binary switches, but use « qubits ». A qubit can be not only 0 or 1, but both at the same time! It’s as if, in addition to conventional coins, we had quantum coins that could flip both heads and tails at the same time.

Several fields of application 🔬

Quantum computing is not a replacement for classical computing, but rather a complement. Quantum computers are better suited to certain types of problem than classical computers, and vice versa.

The first applications are in medicine (development of new drugs), cryptography, optimization (logistics, resource management), scientific research (chemistry, materials physics, biology).

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If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask us in comments. Your favorite griots will answer them 😁