The main difference between barcode and QR code is that a barcode is a machine-readable code consisting of numbers and a pattern of parallel lines of varying width, while a QR code is a machine-readable code consisting of an array of black and white squares.
Barcodes and QR codes are machine-readable codes that can store data. Although barcodes and QR codes share many similarities, there are several differences between these machine-readable codes.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is a Barcode
– Definition, Features, Benefits
2. What is a QR Code
– Definition, Features, Benefits
3. Difference Between Barcode and QR Code
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Barcode, QR Code
What is a Barcode
Barcode is an image that is in a square or rectangular shape and consists of parallel black lines and white spaces. Machines can read this data representation. Barcodes are very helpful in shops for purchase processing. They help to identify products within seconds. They can also be used to track inventories in the warehouses. Barcodes help with the accounting process in many shops and companies. There are various barcodes depending on their application for various purposes. They have a number of benefits in the sales process, including better accuracy, immediate date availability, improved inventory control, and low-cost implications.
There are two types of barcodes: one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D). One-dimensional barcodes consist of a series of lines, and these lines include information about the product type, size, and color. Two-dimensional bar codes are more complex than one-dimensional bar codes. At the same time, they contain more information than 1D barcodes. They may include information such as the price, quantity, and even an image of the product.
What is a QR code
QR code is a matrix barcode that was invented in Japan. A QR code is a black and white square that is machine-readable. It contains a lot of information about products or items. Digital devices can extract this information from the code. Nowadays, even smartphones can scan QR codes.
QR code has now become popular in consumer advertising since it gives quick access to the brand’s website. However, in the early stages, QR codes were mostly used in the automotive industry. Nowadays, QR codes are used for many applications like commercial tracking, entertainment, and transport ticketing. At the same time, QR codes are helpful in storing personal information in organizations. Some countries like Japan have started to print QR codes in train tickets since 2010, allowing passengers to access accurate information very quickly.
Difference Between Barcode and QR Code
Definition
A barcode is a machine-readable code that consists of numbers and a pattern of parallel lines of varying widths, while a QR code is a machine-readable code that consists of an array of black and white squares and can be read by digital devices like smartphones.
Appearance
Barcodes have a square or rectangular shape and consist of parallel black lines and white spaces, while QR codes have square shapes and consist of black and white squares.
Information
QR codes include more information about products than barcodes. Barcodes may only include information like the type, size, and color of products, whereas QR codes may include additional information like the price, the condition of the product as well as the date of manufacturing. In addition, QR codes can also store multimedia data.
Scanning
Barcodes can be scanned vertically, whereas QR codes are scanned both vertically and horizontally.
Conclusion
The main difference between barcode and QR code is that a barcode is a machine-readable code consisting of numbers and a pattern of parallel lines of varying width, while a QR code is a machine-readable code consisting of an array of black and white squares. In addition, QR codes can store data than barcodes.
Reference:
1. “What Is a Barcode?” Denso Wave.
2. “QR Code.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 23 May 2022.
Image Courtesy:
1. “EAN13” By VaGla – own work created in Inkscape based on the graphics by Grzexs (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Code-scan-qr-code-handy-phone” (CC0) via Pixabay
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