Barcodes For Beginners

In today's modern life, Barcodes are part of the business world. The first barcodes can be traced back as far as 50 years ago.

Common Linear barcodes (with only the vertical lines) such as a UPC barcode was used in the seventies to automize groceries. This increase productivity and reduce human error. We use barcodes for tracking and identifying. The barcode type is sometimes called Symbology. The Symbology is a standard for arranging bars and spaces that make up a particular kind of barcode, such as a Code 128, Code 39 (3 of 9), Data Matrix or QR code.

There are two major types of barcodes, a linear barcode and a 2 Dimensional (2D) barcode:

  1. Linear barcodes are the more common barcode, it usually on consists of a single number, like the barcode on canned items, or on name badges. The more common types of Linear barcodes are code 128, Code 39, GTIN-13, GTIN-14.
  2. 2D barcodes are square or rectangular in shape, and can encode a lot of data much more than the Linear barcode, some can hold up to 1300 characters and requires 2D barcode Reader for scanning. The 2D barcode is much smaller than the Linear barcode with the same amount of data, 2D barcode symbologies include Data Matrix, QR code, PDF 417 etc.

There are three major types of barcode products.

  1. BARCODE FONTS
  2. BARCODE COMPONENTS
  3. BARCODE APPLICATIONS

Barcode Fonts

Barcodes can be created using FONTS similar to Times New Roman or Arial. Unlike mentioned New Roman or Arial, barcodes need special formatting so that when the barcode font is applied it will be scanable. Formatting the data can involved a start and stop characters, or a Check Digit, that confirms the barcode reader has read the barcode correctly.

Components

Barcodes can be created, by using such as an AntiveX Control, DotNet Forms Control or Java Component. It can be used in a custom developed application to create the barcode as an image as required, it may be Linear or 2D barcodes. Barcode Components are best used for Developers with programming experience to develop custom applications. Components do not need a font tool to encode the data, as the encoding and creating of the barcode is done, using one file in the form of a DLL or OCX.

Applications

Barcodes can be created by using stand alone applications, they are the most user friendly of the three barcode products, and they can allow you to create many barcodes, an application, like a Component, does not require a tool to create the barcode. The application will generate a barcode image or send it directly to the printer.