Will quantum computing replace the traditional computing?

Nowadays, you might be hearing the buzzword' Quantum Computing' here and there. Technologies are evolving every day. We don't get surprised seeing the wonders of tech anymore. New inventions are replacing the previous ones with a snap of the finger. So, will quantum computing replace traditional computing?

For those who don't know, let's start with some basic information like 'What is quantum computing?' Well, we all know that in a digital system, data is stored, processed, and transmitted as 0 or 1. These two binary bits are the life of digital communication. There are no other states but these two. 

But in Quantum Computing, 'qubits' are used. Qubits can stay as the superposition of many states simultaneously. The states are not definite. Fascinating right?

People around the world are excited about this capability of quantum computing. Due to this, the problem-solving skill has reached another level. 

Since the invention of the computer, computer parts have become smaller and smaller. For our convenience of usage, we have given special importance to portability. But this small-making process has reached its physical limitation. 

Transistors used in logic gates are now the size of a few atoms, about 14nm, and we can't go further; otherwise, electrons will cross the boundary through quantum tunnelling. And we know that in the quantum realm, physical laws quite don't make sense. 

See? Our computer development has reached a physical barrier. That's why quantum computing is invented. A qubit can be anything, 1 or 0, as long as it is not tested. Through superposition, it keeps changing its state. 

Normally, in binary, four bits can form 16 possible combinations; however, in quantum computing, one combination can be all those 16 combinations simultaneously. 

Coming back to the main topic of our discussion. Will quantum computing replace traditional computing? The answer to this question depends on how quantum computing technology develops since it is still in its early stages. 

However, it is more likely that quantum computing will complement traditional computing rather than replace it. Why is that? 

First, quantum computing has accelerated skills in specific fields, like simulating quantum systems. It is not for day-to-day tasks like web browsing or word processing. In these types of works, classical computers are more effective and efficient. 

Secondly, since quantum computers are not general-purpose machines, they are expensive and not so available. The advantages of quantum computers can only be availed in solving specific algorithms of problems, for example, a very large number factorial. 

Let's face the practical scenario. Imagine the tons of money people have invested in software and hardware development. This software is not usable for quantum computers. 

In the technology ecosystem, quantum computing holds an important but small space. The classical computing system occupies a vast area. Transitioning completely from a classical to a quantum computing system would mean replacing all these software, apps, hardware, etc. It doesn't sound so practical, does it? 

One more important thing about quantum computing is that it's highly energy-intensive. The high energy consumption results in heating issues. That's why such computers are operated in low temperatures, in air-conditioned rooms perhaps. Traditional computers have come a long way in terms of energy efficiency. People have worked hard to reduce their carbon footprint as well.

One of the places where quantum computer holds a mentionable superior position to normal computers is database searching. It takes a lot of time to search for a piece of data from a bulk of data. Quantum computers will take only the square root of that time. This ability of quantum computers poses a threat to our current systems. 

For example, your banking data is kept secure through encryption; everyone sees that encrypted public key, and only you can decode that public key. A normal computer will take years to calculate the decoding system to your public key. But a quantum computer can do it very easily.

You will be surprised to know that quantum computers hold the potential to break the existing cryptographic system. This raises a big concern. But not to worry, researchers are constantly working on encryption methods for cryptography so that cryptography will be safe even against quantum computing attacks.

Quantum Computing is not a replacement for existing computing, not in its current state. Based on the development process it is going through, it will very likely coexist with classical computing, with it being the specialist of certain fields and classical computers being the server for everyday tasks.

safrinakabir@iut-dhaka.edu