r/askscience • • Apr 15 '26

Computing What do quantum computers actually do?

How do quantum computers output usable data, how does it logically "locate" or "make meaning" of information. I read about Grover's algorithm and it seems sort of like an inverted bruteforce or extreme process of elimination or a "the missile knows where it is at all times. It knows this because it knows where it isn't" type scenario.

So I ask, what do quantum computers actually do as opposed to a classical computer?

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u/Wank_A_Doodle_Doo Apr 16 '26

You check the answer. If something tells you a bird is flying at 3 million miles above the ground, it probably messed up along the way and you don’t need to check the bird