What is a barcode?

A barcode is a visual representation of data that consists of a series of lines or squares of varying widths and spacing, which can be read by a barcode scanner. It is a machine-readable form of information that is used to track and identify products, inventory, or other items. Barcodes can store information such as product identification numbers, prices, and other data related to the item.

Barcodes can be found on a variety of items, including consumer products, shipping labels, library books, and more. They are commonly used in retail and supply chain management to streamline processes and improve accuracy. When scanned, the barcode can be quickly read by a computer system, which can then retrieve information about the item and perform various tasks, such as updating inventory levels or processing a purchase transaction.