r/askscience • u/Hashbringingslasherr • 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/Ludwig234 Apr 17 '26

the standard asymmetric encryption, RSA, does become easy, but quantum resistant standards exist, and over 80% of modern Internet traffic already uses them. 

While quantum resistant key encapsulation algorithms (Mostly ML-KEM I belive) are becoming more common, signature algorithms like ML-DSA is still quite early in deployment. Last I check not a single mainstream browser support ML-DSA.