A quantum computer is a computer that uses quantum mechanical phenomena to perform calculations. These computers are different in many ways from the computers that are in use today. For example, a quantum computer can be in multiple states simultaneously, whereas a classical computer can only be in one state at a time. This allows quantum computers to perform several calculations at once.

The basic principle behind quantum computing is that a quantum bit (qubit) can represent a zero and a one at the same time. This means that quantum computers can solve some problems much faster than classical computers. …