Technology

DYNAMIC – WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN QR CODE & BARCODE?

We have seen many people getting confused between QR codes and Barcodes, but it’s not your mistake because both of them look identical. However, both are different, and their usage is also different. If you want to use a barcode, you need to use a barcode generator, and for a QR code, one needs to use a QR code generator

QR Codes

The Quick Response (QR) codes are optical labels carrying a lot of information that can be accessed by scanning them through a device. QR codes are widely used to direct people to a webpage, app, social media, payment page, etc.

QR codes can be used by anyone, whether it is a small retail shop or a large company. They can use a free dynamic QR code generator to generate the QR code without any cost. Even qr code business card are also common these days.

In the last few years, the popularity and usage of QR codes are increased a lot. The major reason behind it is an increase in the use of smartphones. Mobile phones have QR code scanner apps that are used to scan the QR code. After scanning the QR code, a person will be redirected to perform the desired action. So, everyone can use it easily. 

There are 2 main types of QR codes – Static QR codes and Dynamic QR codes. Static QR codes carry fixed information with them, and they cannot be modified after their creation. If we talk about dynamic QR codes, then dynamic QR codes can be edited after their creation and information embedded in them can also be modified. 

BARCODES

A barcode is a visual, machine-readable technique of expressing data. Barcodes are majorly used for stock management. Each barcode is made up of a sequence of vertical lines; the thickness and distance between them determine which code is associated with that product. 

Like QR code scanners, barcode scanners are used to capture and analyze the information that is stored in the barcode. Following data capture, barcode scanners connect to a host computer or tablet and communicate the data in real-time, that too without any human interaction.

Nowadays, the use of barcodes is expanded to various other areas apart from stock management. It is used to track emails, tally votes, chequebooks at the library, and for many different tasks. 

There are 2 main types of barcodes – 1 Dimensional (1D) barcodes and 2-Dimensional (2D) barcodes:

  • 1D barcodes: 1D barcodes are black and white bars that may hold data such as the product’s kind, size, and color. These barcodes are largely seen on product packages. It also helps in tracking packages.
  • 2D barcodes: 2D barcodes are more advanced than 1D barcodes. They can carry much more information just than simple text, image, or stock level. Do note that, as these are advanced barcodes, all barcode scanners may not be able to scan the 2D barcodes. 

QR codes VS Barcodes: Ultimate comparison

Here, we will compare QR codes and Barcodes on different parameters to get a better idea about the difference between them.

  1. Information retention capacity

Barcode stores information only in the horizontal direction, and a QR code contains information in both horizontal and vertical direction. Due to this, QR code includes a lot more information than barcodes. Apart from this, they can store more information in less space. If you have to generate the QR code, then you can use the best free dynamic QR code generator.

  1. Appearance

If we talk about QR codes, three black squares are commonly seen in the bottom left, top left, and top right corners of QR codes. These squares indicate to a QR reader that it is seeing a QR code and where the code’s outside limits are located.

A barcode is a pattern of black & white bars that indicates a line of numbers printed below it. Barcodes are meant to be read rapidly by computers by scanning them with a red LED or laser light.

  1. Adaptation and error correction

In this matter, QR codes are far ahead of barcodes. Even if the packaging of the product or the printed code is spoiled, then also the QR code will work. Businesses may (and do) place a little logo or an image within the code to make it more associated with the company in question because of the error-correction feature.

  1. Usage

Nowadays, QR codes are used for various functions, but majorly, it is used to track information about products. These codes are used very much for advertising and marketing functions. 

If we talk about Barcodes, then Products are labeled with barcodes so that they can be known immediately. It is used commonly in retail businesses as part of the purchase process, managing inventory in warehouses, and on invoices to assist with accounting, among their numerous purposes.

  1. Speed

As far as speed is considered, QR codes are much faster than barcodes. You can make use of a dynamic QR code generator to generate dynamic QR codes. 

If anyone has to scan the barcode, then they need to be in the center in the face of the scanner. If it is not placed properly, it will not scan. Linear barcodes make it difficult for machines to locate the code and scan it. These codes make it difficult for engines to scan the code. 

But if you talk about the QR codes, then you will notice 3 squares in the three corners. These squares are called position makers. When an optical scanner comes across position markers, it instantly recognizes the readable, scannable portion of the code. You don’t even have to move the QR code; the scanner will use position markers to scan automatically. 

Conclusion

At last, we would say that QR codes and barcodes are unique and have an amazing set of features. An individual can use the one as per his requirements, but QR codes are much more useful than barcodes. QR codes can be used for many functions, and also they are cost-effective, so all types of businesses can use these codes. 

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