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What Is The Difference Between Quantum Computers And Supercomputers?
Hint: It’s not their size
One question I get asked quite often is, if we have supercomputers that can do a lot of magnificent things, why would we need quantum computers?
Or variations of that question, like why we need quantum computers if we have supercomputers? Or we don’t really need quantum computers, right? Supercomputers are impressive and can do everything!!
To answer any of these questions, I first need to take a step back and ask, how well do you know what a supercomputer is? Or, what is a quantum computer? I will assume that some of you know one, some know the answer to both of these questions, and some know neither! So, for me to point out the differences between these two great technological advances, I will first need to shed some light on each of these technologies and then address the differences between them.
An analogy I often think about when I am asked about the difference between supercomputers and quantum computers is the difference between Superman and Antman. Superman is very powerful and can defeat many rivals. Still, Antman can access different levels of strength when he shrinks to a tiny size! Okay, I will not let my nerdy side get out. I know this analogy is not super solid. Still, it should give you the idea…
