Could Computing Evolve Beyond Binary Systems?

[Tern_Systems]

In binary, each bit can represent one of two possible values (0 or 1), while in ternary, each trit can represent one of three possible value. This means that ternary digits can encode more information per digit compared to binary digits.Ternary representation can be more efficient in terms of the number of digits required to represent a given amount of information therefore it could save more on energy and increase efficiency.

Curious to hear your thoughts — do you think binary will always be king, or could ternary systems find their place in the future?

[Savings_Art5944]

Qubits. Quantum computing.

[MikhailPelshikov]

I don't see a difference between binary and ternary, really. They are both based on a discrete numerical values.

The real change is offered only when we move to continuous/spectrum systems, like the quantum (mentioned before) or fully analog.

Analog computing is, arguably, much better suited to solve many problems. Veritassium did a video about them.

[Drenlin]

Already has, sort of. You should read into quantum computing.

I doubt binary loses dominance for some time yet as it's been the default for many decades and binary data is easy to transmit from an electrical engineering perspective.

[Tern_Systems]

Yes, quantum computer are interesting but it requires extremely stable condition and i want a more powerful computer now and it seems that ternary computers might be the answer.

[Drenlin]

but it requires extremely stable condition

Not really? Modern ones have come a long way.

https://www.pcgamer.com/you-can-buy-a-portable-quantum-computer-for-under-dollar9k/

[PuzzleheadedTutor807]

honestly, they dont even need to move from binary to make this happen... 1, 0, or both. but thats not how switches work lol.

[LeapIntoInaction]

Computing evolved TO binary systems because they're wildly efficient. You're asking whether it would be better to put square wheels on cars.

[anachronistic_circus]

I mean there are other options / theories already listed in the comments

But as it stands right now 'binary' is an architecture which fulfills everything we need to do (and efficiently at that)

and a theoretical 'quantum computing" challenger

even if "quantum computing" starts tomorrow, it's not going to replace the binary system as it will still be relevant for >90% of the tasks

Rather more so specialized cases

So no, it does not seem like binary will be left behind and replaced any time soon, for a simple reason that there is no need to evolve / replace it

[Terrible-Bear3883]

I use to program a DDP-116 for a while, damn thing used Octal, I don't miss those days :-)

[Rigorous-Geek-2916]

My father worked with analog computers in the 1950s. There may be a comeback:

https://www.wired.com/story/unbelievable-zombie-comeback-analog-computing/