Barcode

A barcode is a machine-readable visual representation of data that conveys specific information about products. Initially, barcodes represented data through the varying widths and spacing of parallel lines, commonly referred to as linear or 1D barcodes (symbols). They also appear as 2D matrix codes or symbols, consisting of patterns formed by squares, hexagons, dots, or other geometric shapes. Although 2D systems employ symbols other than bars, they are generally referred to as barcodes as well.

Barcodes can be read by optical scanners known as barcode readers, or alternatively, scanned from an image using specialized software.