I have to admit that I’ve found yet another new passion–quantum computing. Computing, as we currently know it, is referred to as classical computing. Alternatively, quantum computing is the study of a non-classical model of computation. Quantum computing is based on the principles of quantum theory which, at a high level, is the theoretical basis of modern physics.

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The technical differences between classical computing and quantum computing are completely different. It can be compared to a candle and a light bulb. A light bulb can’t be created by making better candles…they are completely different technologies.

As of now, quantum computers are still years away from being useful. However, to give you an idea of why quantum computing will be so revolutionary is the sheer magnitude of its processing speed. Google’s researchers recently claimed that their quantum computing processor was able to perform a calculation in three minutes and 20 seconds that would take today’s most advanced classical computer, known as Summit, approximately 10,000 years.

There are only a few quantum computers in the world, but they are accessible through the cloud for programming and experimenting. The more I learn and the deeper I get, I find myself saying, “This makes no sense.” So I’m happy to say I’m making good progress because it’s been said that when quantum computing doesn’t make sense, you get it.

WIRED has challenged IBM’s Dr. Talia Gershon (Senior Manager, Quantum Research) to explain quantum computing to 5 different people; a child, teen, a college student, a grad student and a professional.

Like I said, when quantum computing doesn’t make sense to you, that’s when you know you get it. The more I learn, the more I realize that I don’t get it. According to the below video, quantum exists, so therefore, it doesn’t matter if we understand. We can still use such a phenomenon for a useful application. Take a look…