How is programming going to go from binary computers (1's and 0's) to quantum computers?

Question

These days, we use computers, without thinking how does all the hardware work. Well its actually binary - 1's and 0's or on's and off's. But now their thinking of forgetting all that and turning it in to the atoms as the data! I'm just thinking that if they manage to develop something like that, how are all our binary files going to become just pure energy?

Answer 1

Quantum computers do not run on binary. Instead of bits they have Qbits which are like bits except they can be both 1 and 0 at the same time. The gates used in quantum computers are also very different since they take this exotic data type. The gates work on all three states and might return a single state or more than one state.

Quantum computing is going to mean remaking programs to fit this environment. Fortunately, traditional computers aren't going anywhere since quantum computers are not a good match for all work loads and are often slower or ill suited to many applications.

Answer 2

Thanks for your detailed answer James Durand and giving your time to write it (I know how long it can sometimes take!) - it sounds quite interesting, and this is just the kind of thing I like!

Answer 3

Quantum computers run on Qbits

Answer 4

I'm in the exact same hole as you - I'm quite confused!

Answer 5

thanks James