What is quantum computing?

 Quantum computing is a difficult subject to grasp, much like anything else involving the quantum (sub-atomic) world. Fundamentally, the phrase refers to a new (or upcoming) generation of incredibly fast computers that process information as "qubits" (quantum bits) as opposed to the standard bits — ones and zeroes — of classical computing.

Since they are built on electrical circuits and switches that can be turned on (one) or off, traditional computers are actually simply very sophisticated versions of pocket calculators (zero). They can store and analyze any information by connecting a bunch of these ones and zeros. The fact that big data requires a lot of ones and zeroes to represent it, however, means that its performance is constantly constrained.

The qubits of quantum computing can exist in a wide variety of states as opposed to just plain ones and zeroes. They could be able to exist as both one and zero at the same time due to the peculiar features of quantum physics (quantum superposition). In addition, they can be in any condition between one and zero.

According to Gasman, "That means you can accomplish some tasks significantly quicker on a quantum computer because you can handle a lot more information on a quantum computer. Whoopee I can do this in two hours instead of two days isn't always as important as whoopee I can do this in two hours instead of nine million years".

According to some predictions, quantum computers would function 158 million times faster than the fastest supercomputers now in use. Nine million years may sound like the kind of statistic that people only use when they are exaggerating.

There is one significant limitation, though: At the moment, only a small number of applications truly take advantage of quantum computers. You shouldn't anticipate being able to just put a quantum processor into your Macbook and perform all of your current tasks millions of times faster.