James A. Donald writes:
An algorithm is a method of solving problems. Not everything in the universe is an algorithm or equivalent to an algorithm.
Ok.
Suppose we have a quantum computer that solves some NP (incomplete) problem in polynomial time with order one probability..
A numerical simulation of that computer...
Indeed, a numerical simulation would be quite complex. However, I fail to udnerstand why you do not consider the programming of the quantum computer to be a non-algorithm. Clearly, if somebody can make the quantum computer solve the NP problem, there must be some technique of expressing the process. If it's not an algorithm, what do you call it? (Hint: it is an algorithm.)
The quantum computer is not equivalent to the mindless brute force algorithm for solving the problem.
Right; it executes a different algorithm. | GOOD TIME FOR MOVIE - GOING ||| Mike McNally <m5@tivoli.com> | | TAKE TWA TO CAIRO. ||| Tivoli Systems, Austin, TX: | | (actual fortune cookie) ||| "Like A Little Bit of Semi-Heaven" |