Classical vs. Quantum Logic

Classical and quantum gates perform the fundamental operations in their respective models of computation.

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FeatureClassical Logic GatesQuantum Gates
Basic UnitsLogic Gates (AND, OR, NOT, etc.)Quantum Gates (Hadamard, CNOT, Pauli-X, etc.)
Information UnitBit (0 or 1)Qubit (|0⟩, |1⟩, or superposition)
Governing PrincipleBoolean AlgebraUnitary Transformations (Linear Algebra)
State DescriptionDeterministic (0 or 1)Probabilistic (Amplitudes, Superposition)
ReversibilityPrimarily Irreversible (e.g., AND, OR)Inherently Reversible (Unitary)
Mathematical ToolTruth TablesUnitary Matrices
Key CapabilityLogic and Sequential ProcessingSuperposition, Entanglement, Quantum Parallelism
ImplementationTransistors (CMOS)Superconducting circuits, Trapped Ions, Photons, etc.
Complexity of GatesSimpler gate designs, typically implemented with transistorsMore complex gate designs requiring advanced materials and isolation techniques
Error HandlingLow error rates (mature technology)High error rates (Decoherence is a major challenge)