Q-Reduct - Quantum-Ready Erasure Codec for Extreme Storage Reduction

Q-Reduct is a lossless, quantum-ready erasure codec that achieves file-size reduction by deliberately discarding payload bits and retaining a compact set of deterministic constraints that uniquely characterize the original. Decoding is posed as an oracle-search problem: given the stored constraints, find the erased bits that make every local and global check true. Classically, aggressive erasure makes decoding computationally infeasible; on a future quantum computer, amplitude-amplification (Grover-style) reduces the expected search cost from O(2^m) to O(2^(m/2)) oracle calls, where m is the effective constraint strength. Under quantum decoding and suitable parameterization, size reductions on the order of 80–90% are mathematically achievable, provided that the constraint set enforces uniqueness and the quantum oracle budget suffices. This White Paper specifies the format, constraints, oracle design, and verification hierarchy; provides pseudocode and a PHP skeleton; and outlines a quantum implementation roadmap.