Barcode

What is a Barcode?

A technology that uses white spaces and black bars to represent encoded information. This encoded information can then be read with an optical device that converts the bars and spaces into an electrical signal, which is then decoded into the original characters.

A barcode is a machine-readable graphic symbol consisting of vertical, parallel lines and spaces of varying widths. These vertical lines correspond to a series of numbers that encode information that can be used for an array of purposes.

Most barcodes are used to identify a product at point-of-sale, but not all. Many barcodes are also found on invoices, labels and shipping forms to aid in inventory tracking and theft management. Others encode information for coupons, mobile payments and more.