The quantum approximate optimization algorithm (qaoa) is a hybrid quantum-classical algorithm designed to solve combinatorial optimization problems by leveraging quantum mechanics. It utilizes a variational approach where a quantum circuit prepares a superposition of states that can represent potential solutions, and classical optimization techniques refine these solutions to minimize an objective function. QAOA connects closely with classical algorithms and adiabatic quantum computation, demonstrating the potential of quantum resources to outperform traditional methods in certain scenarios.
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