Comparison of Quantum and Classical Algorithm in Searching a Number in a Database Case

Abstract

Contemporarily, quantum computing is one of the hottest research fields. Many quantum algorithms are proposed in order to utilize the power of quantum computers. Grover’s searching algorithm is one of them. In this article, by comparing a classical searching algorithm and Grover’s algorithm in the problem of finding a number in a finite database, the advantages of the latter are discussed. The actual quantum circuit to solve the problem is built and run on both a simulator and a real quantum computer. According to the analysis, Grover’s algorithm provides speedup in a searching task compared to the classical algorithm. However, noises in today’s quantum devices make the result of the quantum algorithm unreliable. In searching for multiple numbers, Grover’s algorithm has its shortcomings. Nevertheless, noises in quantum computing need to be addressed in order to utilize the potential of quantum computers in solving difficult problems. These results shed light on guiding further exploration of quantum algorithms and quantum computing.