Computational hardness refers to the difficulty of solving a problem or class of problems within a reasonable time frame, often associated with problems for which no efficient algorithm is known. This concept is crucial in understanding the limits of computational power and helps to distinguish between problems that can be solved quickly (in polynomial time) and those that cannot, such as NP-hard problems. It also plays a significant role in cryptography, optimization, and algorithm design, highlighting the challenges of developing solutions for complex computational issues.
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