Quantum Computing for Beginners: The Next Big Thing in Tech

It’s not an exaggeration to say that quantum computers have left the realm of science fiction and are becoming a technology that can fundamentally alter our world. But what is a quantum computer? How does it differ from the computers we’ve all been using every day? Why are everyone, Google to IBM, so excited about them?

In this blog post we hope to informally explain the pieces. Whether you’re techie or just learning what the chatter is, this will help you attain a clearer understanding of quantum computing.

A quantum computer is onekind of computer that uses quantum mechanics (the science of how atoms and other particles act) to perform calculations. In a normal computer, data is stored and processed using bits = 0 and 1.

In a quantum computer, data can be stored and processed using quantum bits (qubits)= 0, 1, or both (superposition).

Fundamental Principles of Quantum Computing. Here are some fundamental principles that allow quantum computers to be powerful:

A classical bit can be one or the other (0 or 1) at a time, whereas a qubit can be in a mixture of both values. This gives quantum computers the ability to calculate a massive number of options at the same time.

Entangled qubits have the state of 1 qubit linked to the state of another qubit no matter how far apart they are spatially. This feature allows for faster and more complicated calculations.

A quantum computer will use interference wherein it amplifies the correct paths (solutions) and cancels the incorrect paths during the course of its computation.

Quantitatively, quantum computers perform calculations in pretty much the same way traditional computers logically calculate solutions to problems. Just as traditional computers implement logic to manipulate binary bits, quantum computers need to manipulate qubits through quantum gates.

Quantum gates are essentially operations that influence a qubit’s state changes in a very precise way.

Once the qubits have gone through the necessary calculations, the final step is measuring the qubits. Measuring qubits requires the computer to check for output (the data) from the qubits.

Since the way qubits work is based on probabilities, quantum computers will run the computations multiple times to increase the chances of getting the most likely (and accurate) result.

At this stage, quantum computers are still somewhat in their infancy, so they won’t be replacing anyone’s laptop in the near future. But there are definitely things they will do that a traditional laptop never could.

Here are some exciting possibilities:

• Drug Discovery
  Quantum computers could help drug developers and biochemists simulate molecules and predict how they might behave—something classical computers struggle with at scale.
• Weather Forecasting and Climate Modeling
  They could improve weather prediction models for aviation or even help us better understand long-term climate patterns.
• Faster Machine Learning
  By handling multiple calculations at once, quantum computers may accelerate the performance of machine learning algorithms.
• Breaking (or Reinventing) Encryption
  There’s a strong possibility quantum computers could crack today’s most secure encryption—or help create entirely new forms of quantum-safe encryption.

There exists potential for quantum computers to solve problems that too complex for the most powerful supercomputers today. Some of the exciting possibilities include:

• Breaking encryption algorithms.
• Revolutionizing drug discovery by simulating molecules.
• Optimizing logistic & supply chains.
• Speeding up AI & machine learning.
• Modeling climate change with greater accuracy.

Organizations like Google, IBM, and Microsoft are competing to create useful quantum machines. Google announced “quantum supremacy” in 2019 when its quantum computer solved a problem in 200 seconds that would take the world’s fastest supercomputer 10,000 years.

But keep in mind: quantum computers are not going to replace your laptop anytime soon. They are still experimental, and require fairly narrow conditions to operate; like close to absolute zero temperatures.

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Related Links :-

• What is Quantum computing ?
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