{"id":17837,"date":"2026-08-10T09:12:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-10T12:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eseg.edu.br\/?p=17837"},"modified":"2026-07-30T18:46:01","modified_gmt":"2026-07-30T21:46:01","slug":"quantum-algorithms-how-they-work-and-why-they-could-revolutionize-computing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eseg.edu.br\/en\/blog\/algoritmos-quanticos-como-eles-funcionam-e-por-que-podem-revolucionar-a-computacao\/","title":{"rendered":"Quantum algorithms: how do they work and why could they revolutionize computing?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Quantum computers are attracting attention for their ability to solve certain problems much faster than conventional computers.

However, this performance does not depend solely on the hardware or the qubits used during processing.

Just as in classical computing, quantum computers need instructions to perform tasks. These instructions are called quantum algorithms.<\/strong>

They are the ones who take advantage of the properties of quantum mechanics to find more efficient solutions to extremely complex problems, involving millions or even billions of possibilities.

Although still under development, several quantum algorithms have already demonstrated significant advantages in areas such as cryptography, optimization, artificial intelligence, logistics, and scientific research.

In this article, you will understand what quantum algorithms are, how they work, and learn about three of the main examples currently being studied: Shor's algorithm, Grover's algorithm<\/strong> and the optimization model known as QUBO<\/strong>.

So, keep reading and learn more about the subject!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are quantum algorithms?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An algorithm is an organized sequence of instructions created to solve a problem.

In traditional computing, algorithms are present in virtually everything: mobile applications, banking systems, social networks, streaming platforms, and search engines.

In quantum computing, the principle is the same.

The difference is that the algorithms are developed to exploit specific characteristics of quantum computers, allowing them to solve certain problems more efficiently than would be possible using only classical computers.

It is important to point out that not every problem presents an advantage when solved in a quantum computer<\/a>.

Quantum algorithms are especially useful in situations involving large search spaces, optimization, number factorization, and complex mathematical simulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why are quantum algorithms different?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The main difference lies in how the information is processed.

While traditional algorithms work with bits, quantum algorithms use operations performed on qubits.

These algorithms exploit properties of quantum mechanics to manipulate information during calculations.

In practice, this allows for the development of mathematical strategies that are completely different from those used in conventional computing.

The result is not simply "more speed," but a new way of solving certain computational problems.

This paradigm shift is the reason why quantum computing is generating so much interest in universities, research centers, and technology companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the main quantum algorithms?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Over the past few decades, several algorithms have been proposed to explore the potential of quantum computers.

Among them, some have become benchmarks for demonstrating clear advantages in specific problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shor's algorithm<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Shor's<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

O Shor's algorithm <\/strong>It was developed by mathematician Peter Shor in 1994 and is considered one of the milestones of modern quantum computing.

Your goal is to factor very large integers into prime factors.

It may seem like just a mathematical problem, but this operation is extremely important for digital security.

Many of the encryption systems currently in use rely precisely on the difficulty of performing this factorization using conventional computers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While a classical computer can take an extremely long time to solve certain cases, a quantum computer running Shor's algorithm can perform this process much more efficiently.

For this reason, several researchers are working on developing what is called post-quantum cryptography, seeking to create systems capable of withstanding future quantum computers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How can Shor's algorithm be applied?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Among the applications studied are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n