ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Quantum annealing

Quantum annealing is like a game. It is a way to find the best solution to a problem. To find the best solution, you need to figure out how different parts of the problem work together. You can think of it like a jigsaw puzzle. When you look at the pieces of the puzzle, each one looks different. To put them all together, you must figure out what shapes and colors go together.

In quantum annealing, you use special computers to try different ways of putting things together. These computers use something called quantum bits, which can be thought of like tiny switches. A quantum bit can be either on or off at any time. By changing the states of the quantum bits, the computer can try different solutions. Eventually, if it keeps trying different combinations, it will try one that works! It’s like finding the right combination of pieces in a jigsaw puzzle. That combination will give the best solution to the problem.