Rydberg atoms, with principal quantum numbers \( n \gg 1 \), exhibit exaggerated properties such as dipole-dipole interactions scaling as \( n^4 \) and radiative lifetimes scaling as \( n^3 \). These properties have been proposed for implementing quantum gates between neutral atom qubits. The strong, long-range interaction that can be coherently turned on and off is a key enabling resource for a wide range of quantum information tasks, including long-range two-qubit gates, collective encoding of multi-qubit registers, robust light-atom quantum interfaces, and potential applications in simulating quantum many-body physics. This review covers both theoretical and experimental advances in Rydberg-mediated quantum information processing over the last decade. It discusses the properties of Rydberg atoms, the physics of Rydberg interactions, various gate protocols, and experimental techniques for coherent excitation and deexcitation of Rydberg states. The review also explores collective effects in Rydberg coupled ensembles, including blockade scaling laws, preparation of single atom states, collective qubit encoding, and error correction. Additionally, it examines the use of Rydberg excited ensembles for quantum optical effects and hybrid qubit interfaces. Finally, it provides a summary and outlook for future developments in the field.Rydberg atoms, with principal quantum numbers \( n \gg 1 \), exhibit exaggerated properties such as dipole-dipole interactions scaling as \( n^4 \) and radiative lifetimes scaling as \( n^3 \). These properties have been proposed for implementing quantum gates between neutral atom qubits. The strong, long-range interaction that can be coherently turned on and off is a key enabling resource for a wide range of quantum information tasks, including long-range two-qubit gates, collective encoding of multi-qubit registers, robust light-atom quantum interfaces, and potential applications in simulating quantum many-body physics. This review covers both theoretical and experimental advances in Rydberg-mediated quantum information processing over the last decade. It discusses the properties of Rydberg atoms, the physics of Rydberg interactions, various gate protocols, and experimental techniques for coherent excitation and deexcitation of Rydberg states. The review also explores collective effects in Rydberg coupled ensembles, including blockade scaling laws, preparation of single atom states, collective qubit encoding, and error correction. Additionally, it examines the use of Rydberg excited ensembles for quantum optical effects and hybrid qubit interfaces. Finally, it provides a summary and outlook for future developments in the field.