Barcode Scanning
Barcode scanning is a technology that uses optical sensors and software to read and decode barcodes, which are machine-readable representations of data in visual patterns. It enables automated data capture for applications like inventory management, retail checkout, asset tracking, and document processing. Modern implementations often leverage smartphone cameras and computer vision libraries to provide accessible scanning capabilities.
Developers should learn barcode scanning when building applications that require fast, accurate data entry or identification, such as point-of-sale systems, logistics software, or mobile apps for event ticketing. It reduces manual errors and improves efficiency in scenarios like warehouse management, library systems, or healthcare patient identification. Knowledge is also valuable for integrating with IoT devices or creating augmented reality experiences that overlay information on scanned items.