Reversible computing: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 22:09, 23 June 2023

Revision as of 22:14, 23 June 2023

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==Logical reversibility==

LogicalFor reversibilitya computational operation to be logically reversible means that the output (or final state) of the operation can be computed from the input (or initial state), and vice versa. Reversible functions are [[bijection|bijective]]. This means that reversible gates (and [[Circuit (computer science)|circuits]], i.e. compositions of multiple gates) generally have the same number of inputsinput bits as outputsoutput bits (assuming that all input bits are consumed by the operation, and that all input/output states are possible).

An [[inverter (logic gate)|inverter]] (NOT) gate is logically reversible because it can be ''undone''. The NOT gate may however not be physically reversible, depending on its implementation.