A Comprehensive Survey of Quantum Computing: Principles, Progress, and Prospects for Classical-Quantum Integration

Abstract

Quantum computing, grounded in the principles of superposition and entanglement, has emerged as a revolutionary paradigm with the potential to outperform classical systems in specific computational tasks. This paper presents a comprehensive survey of the foundational concepts, algorithmic developments, hardware architectures, and programming ecosystems in quantum computing. We analyze the current progress in key application areas such as cryptography, machine learning, optimization, and quantum chemistry. Furthermore, we review recent advances between 2023 and 2025, including developments in fault-tolerant architectures and quantum error correction. The paper also discusses the significant technical challenges that hinder large-scale practical deployment, including qubit scalability, decoherence, and programming limitations. By synthesizing literature across disciplines, this review aims to provide a holistic understanding of the quantum computing landscape and outline critical directions for future research and integration with classical systems.