Quantum Computing Versus Classical: What Awaits Us in the Future

The world of high technology is always packed with heated debates such as desktop vs cloud software, but one topic is getting particularly interesting these days. Of course, we are talking about the differences between quantum and classical computing and all the novelties that await us in the future.

Quantum computers promise to become a powerful tool that could revolutionize the way we work and live our daily lives, but is it really the truth? What are the benefits of the new technology? There are so many questions to answer here, so keep reading to learn the most important features of quantum computing.

What Is Quantum Computing?

Before we can discuss the differences between quantum and classical computing, we need to define the new concept and explain what it really means.

By definition, quantum computing is an area of computing focused on developing computer technology based on the principles of quantum theory, which explains the behavior of energy and material on the atomic and subatomic levels.

If this sounds way too complex, that’s because it is. Quantum and traditional computing differ on substantial levels because they rely on different models of operation. Let’s start with classical computing, a model that relies on bits as the basic information components.

The only way to express values using a bit is to give it one of these two values: 0 or 1. Complex sets of zeros and ones enable powerful computing operations, but they still come with a very practical limit. Namely, the number and the complexity of operations are restricted to relatively reasonable numbers and use-cases depending on the computational power of a chip.

On the other side, quantum computers use qubits instead of bits, which makes them different in two ways:

-    Superposition: This concept is defined as the combination of two distinct physical phenomena of the same type (such as spin or wavelength) so that they coexist as part of the same event. In terms of quantum computing, it means that bits can take more than just two positions, zeros and ones. Quantum computers can mix both positions and thus calculate many more operations at the same time.

-    Entanglement: This concept suggests that particles within a given set are intertwined, so the behavior of one particle influences the behavior of all other particles. When applied to quantum computing, it means that entanglement enables computers to process all calculations simultaneously instead of doing it one by one (like classical computing).

The two phenomena have a wide range of practical implications, so let’s check them out in the next chapter.

Pros and Cons of Quantum Computing

You’ve probably figured out a few advantages of quantum computing by now, but we want to analyze both the pros and cons of the new model. Let’s start with a couple of fundamental benefits:

-  Computational speed: The most important benefit of quantum computing is that it ensures much faster calculations. New computers can complete the same operations as standard computers, only much quicker.

- Complex calculations: A lot of real-world concepts consist of way too many elements that traditional computers simply cannot track simultaneously. For example, even the simplest molecules make an impenetrable fortress for classical computers due to the sheer number of dynamic components. This is not an issue for quantum computers because they can take operational complexity to the whole new level and analyze even the most complicated structures.

Although the pros we mentioned above sound amazing, quantum computing comes with a few pitfalls as well. Here they are:

-   Programming issues: Bearing in mind that the two computing models operate differently, it is easy to conclude that quantum computers require different types of programming. The existing algorithms cannot function properly when applied to quantum computers.

-    Cost-efficiency: Jake Gardner, a content creator, says quantum computers are incredibly complex and expensive: “It’s hard to imagine that the price of designing a functional quantum computer will go down anytime soon.”

-     Time: Another thing you should remember is that quantum computers are still far from being fully operational and accessible worldwide. Only the largest IT companies like Microsoft, Google, and IBM are experimenting with quantum computers, but even they are still in the early “trial and error” stages.

Quantum Computing Use-Cases

Quantum computing seems incredible and almighty in theory, but what about its practical implications and use-cases? How can we take it to our advantage? There are so many things to consider here, but we will point out the most interesting examples only:

-  Weather and climate modeling: The issue of climate change is too complex for traditional computers to handle it efficiently, but quantum computing can make more accurate predictions and help us to solve problems at least to a certain extent.

-    Personalized medicine: Instead of relying on “one size fits all” solutions, doctors will be able to analyze patients’ DNA structures and come up with highly personalized treatments.

-    eCommerce: Online retail giants such as Amazon are having a hard time analyzing millions of orders and shipments minute after minute. With quantum computing, it won’t be a problem to calculate everything within seconds.

Of course, we have to emphasize once again that quantum computing still has a long way to go. Traditional computers will remain the key IT power in the years to come, but we hope it won’t take too long for tech experts to come up with fully functional quantum computers.

Conclusion

People and businesses rely on classical computers to get things done faster and more efficiently, but it seems like quantum computing could give these processes a brand new boost. It’s a revolutionary computing format that could change the world as we know it, but how soon can we expect it to emerge?

In this article, we answered the most important questions:

-  What are the main differences between quantum and classical computing?

-  What are the benefits of the new system?

-  Are there any practical examples of how quantum computers could improve everyday operations?

Have you ever thought about quantum computing? Feel free to share your opinion in comments, we would love to discuss this amazing topic with our readers!