What I think I know about Quantum Mechanics in relation to Quantum Computing.
This will mainly be going off the top of my head because this is my current hyper fixation. I find it endlessly fascinating and seeing how you can break the veil of abstract and real and where you can in some instances literally see the effects. So what the shit does this have to do with computers. Classical computers use bits to do literally any function within any computer. It is a binary system 0 and 1 . On or Off. Once you get the hang of it you can write entire sentences in just binary, then convert that string into hexa-decimal binary to send a coded message that says "Poopy fart shit". Put that hexadecimal code into a .txt file and transfer it onto a floppy disk and hide in under the sys admins coffee mug, coaster style. Well Quantum Computers use a qubit. I am going to butcher whatever the fuck goes on with these so here is a definition from the internet. They are used to measure probability and calculate that within the infinity that lies between 0 and 1. "In quantum computing, a qubit (/ˈkjuːbɪt/) or quantum bit is a BASIC unit of quantum information—the quantum version of the classic binary bit physically realized with a two-state device. A qubit is a two-state (or two-level) quantum-mechanical system, one of the SIMPLIST quantum systems displaying the peculiarity of quantum mechanics."
Okay, my brain already hurts so fuck you I am done reading. Valid. You don't have to ingest or comprehend any of this long term. I just need to put it down somewhere. So for those along for the ride, lets a go! Okay to understand any of this we start with a classical bit. 0 or 1 . On or Off. When the logic of a program, for example Super Mario Bros. Within the games code there are variables or states a games code can be in. While the game is in various states like the Pause menu or the Start menu or the actual game. The NES and the game cartridge are running all of there pre-determined moves, music, and animation. There is one crucial understanding to all of this. While any computer is running it is WAITING for a binary input to interact with it. Computers WAIT for input both in classical and quantum. Each keystroke is sending one cycle 0 -> 1 then compounds and is translated by every component between the physical key switches and the html I am writing this on. This is all to state very abstractly that Classical Computing isn't simple, but it requires a circuit like understanding. If we are gonna talk quantum shit we gotta get some things cleared up. I am not an expert. Please prove me wrong if I say something incorrect. I am learning and trying to grasp these ideas. I appreciate you. Quantum Mechanics Time: No scary equations here, yet... However I want to clear up the stigma of the spooky math symbols. Everything has a definition and a rule set. What makes something quantum? A "something" is quantum if it can exist in what is called a superposition. That means being able to exist in two arbitrary positions in space at once, but only if it hasn't been measured. Once measured a quantum system or wave function collapses to a single point or in the case of a qubit state 0 or state 1. Woah I thought you said qubits are different I see a 0 AND a 1. Keen eye there sport! Keeping you on your toes. You see the magic happens behind the curtain. NOBODY SEE'S THE WIZARD you see? Before the wave function is collapsed/Qubit Measured the qubit did some funny business inside of the quantum computer. We gotta start from the very beginning so bear with me. Just like classical computers quantum computers wait for inputs to change states on the bit or qubit. So what causes the qubit to do the magic? Entanglement. When two qubits become entangled. No matter how far physically they are from each other. If you collapse the wave function of one the other immediately collapses as well. Not at the speed of light. INSTANTLY! This is done algebraically. You marry the two wave functions with math so if you change or measure one the change in immediate in the other. How does this work exactly? When you entangle 2 qubits you create a new wave function. This is due to the no-cloning rule of wave-functions. No wave functions can exist more than once. This is why we use complex numbers, you need the infinite obscurity as leverage. Once you can mathematically prove 1 measurement equals 2 queries. That means 2 is 4 and 3 is 9 and 4 is 16. Exponential. Next time on Quantum Computing. Bra-Ket Notation, and Matrix shenanigans.