Present landscape of quantum computing

Quantum computing is currently a topic of interest that harnesses the phenomena of quantum mechanics. It can address several scientific challenges and generate new business opportunities. Recently, for the first time in the history of quantum computing, the authors are starting to see practical applications. Keeping this in mind, this article is designed to explore the field without any required prerequisites. The authors start with a brief overview of the fundamentals of quantum computing and also outline several applications. The timeline for widespread adoption cannot be predicted, but quite a few organisations have built the first generation of quantum computers using various hardware technologies. The authors have briefly covered the wide landscape of hardware technologies. The first generation of quantum computers can be programmed using available software development kits and accessed using online cloud services. Furthermore, the growing trend in investments and patents in the field of quantum computing is also presented. A major reason for this trend is the threat that quantum computers pose against cryptography.