The birth of general quantum computing will indeed lead to the creation of new algorithms and source code specifically designed to leverage the unique capabilities of quantum computers. Quantum algorithms are different from classical algorithms and take advantage of the principles of superposition and entanglement to perform computations in ways that classical computers cannot.
Quantum code, often referred to as quantum programs or quantum circuits, will be necessary to implement these quantum algorithms on quantum computers. This code will involve a combination of classical code, which sets up and controls the quantum computations, and quantum code, which specifies the quantum operations and manipulations of qubits.
In terms of code length, it's difficult to make a general statement. Some quantum algorithms may require longer code compared to their classical counterparts, while others may be more concise. The code length will depend on the specific problem being solved and the algorithm used.
Regarding the number of qubits, it's important to note that the power of quantum computers is not solely determined by the number of qubits, but also by the quality of those qubits and the ability to control and manipulate them effectively. Currently, quantum computers with a few dozen qubits are accessible, and they are already demonstrating quantum advantage for certain tasks. However, for more complex problems and to achieve true general-purpose quantum computing, significantly larger numbers of qubits (hundreds or even thousands) are required. The exact number will depend on the specific application and the level of error correction achieved.
As quantum computing technology continues to advance, new methodologies, languages, and tools for programming quantum computers will emerge, allowing developers to write code that harnesses the power of quantum computing more efficiently.