Quantum computing represents a fundamental shift in computation. Unlike classical computers that use bits (0s and 1s), quantum computers use qubits. A qubit can be a 1, a 0, or a superposition of both, allowing for exponentially greater computational power for certain types of problems.

The implications are vast, from breaking current encryption standards to revolutionizing drug discovery and material science. Companies like Google, IBM, and Rigetti are in a race to build a fault-tolerant quantum computer.

However, challenges remain. Qubits are extremely fragile and susceptible to noise from their environment, a phenomenon known as decoherence. Maintaining coherence is the primary engineering hurdle today.