Rydberg atoms with principal quantum number $ n \gg 1 $ have exaggerated atomic properties, including dipole-dipole interactions that scale as $ n^4 $ and radiative lifetimes that scale as $ n^3 $. These properties have enabled the implementation of quantum gates between neutral atom qubits. The availability of a strong, long-range interaction that can be coherently turned on and off is a key resource for quantum information tasks, including long-range two-qubit gates, collective encoding of multi-qubit registers, and quantum simulations. This review summarizes advances in Rydberg-mediated quantum information processing over the past decade, covering both theoretical and experimental aspects. The Rydberg blockade concept is central to quantum gate operations. It allows for the implementation of controlled phase gates and two-qubit gates by blocking the excitation of multiple atoms. The blockade shift, which determines the strength of the interaction, can be tuned by external fields. The fidelity of the gate is largely independent of the blockade shift for large shifts, making it a robust method for quantum computing. The blockade effect also suppresses unwanted double excitations, enabling high-fidelity quantum operations. Rydberg-mediated interactions have been extended to ensemble qubits, where the collective blockade effect allows for the manipulation of many-qubit systems. The blockade shift is determined by the dipole-dipole energy shifts and Rabi couplings between atom pairs. The blockade shift is dominated by the weakest possible atom-atom interactions, and the effectiveness of the blockade depends on the number of atoms and their spatial arrangement. Rydberg atoms have been used to create entangled states and to implement quantum interfaces between light and atoms. The use of Rydberg blockade allows for deterministic ensemble preparation and single photon generation without the need for a deterministic single photon source. This has applications in quantum communication and entanglement generation between remote ensembles. The interactions between Rydberg atoms are sensitive to external fields, and these fields can be used to tune the strength and angular dependence of the interactions. The angular dependence of the blockade shift is important for the performance of quantum gates, and careful selection of atomic states and orientations can minimize unwanted interactions. The review also discusses the theoretical and experimental developments in Rydberg-mediated quantum information processing, including the use of Rydberg atoms for quantum simulations and the potential for long-range quantum communication. The future of Rydberg-based quantum information processing is promising, with ongoing research aimed at improving gate fidelities and scalability.Rydberg atoms with principal quantum number $ n \gg 1 $ have exaggerated atomic properties, including dipole-dipole interactions that scale as $ n^4 $ and radiative lifetimes that scale as $ n^3 $. These properties have enabled the implementation of quantum gates between neutral atom qubits. The availability of a strong, long-range interaction that can be coherently turned on and off is a key resource for quantum information tasks, including long-range two-qubit gates, collective encoding of multi-qubit registers, and quantum simulations. This review summarizes advances in Rydberg-mediated quantum information processing over the past decade, covering both theoretical and experimental aspects. The Rydberg blockade concept is central to quantum gate operations. It allows for the implementation of controlled phase gates and two-qubit gates by blocking the excitation of multiple atoms. The blockade shift, which determines the strength of the interaction, can be tuned by external fields. The fidelity of the gate is largely independent of the blockade shift for large shifts, making it a robust method for quantum computing. The blockade effect also suppresses unwanted double excitations, enabling high-fidelity quantum operations. Rydberg-mediated interactions have been extended to ensemble qubits, where the collective blockade effect allows for the manipulation of many-qubit systems. The blockade shift is determined by the dipole-dipole energy shifts and Rabi couplings between atom pairs. The blockade shift is dominated by the weakest possible atom-atom interactions, and the effectiveness of the blockade depends on the number of atoms and their spatial arrangement. Rydberg atoms have been used to create entangled states and to implement quantum interfaces between light and atoms. The use of Rydberg blockade allows for deterministic ensemble preparation and single photon generation without the need for a deterministic single photon source. This has applications in quantum communication and entanglement generation between remote ensembles. The interactions between Rydberg atoms are sensitive to external fields, and these fields can be used to tune the strength and angular dependence of the interactions. The angular dependence of the blockade shift is important for the performance of quantum gates, and careful selection of atomic states and orientations can minimize unwanted interactions. The review also discusses the theoretical and experimental developments in Rydberg-mediated quantum information processing, including the use of Rydberg atoms for quantum simulations and the potential for long-range quantum communication. The future of Rydberg-based quantum information processing is promising, with ongoing research aimed at improving gate fidelities and scalability.