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Difference between Barcode and QR Code

Last Updated : 24 Sep, 2024
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Barcodes and QR codes are basically two forms of machine-readable codes that contain data and are useful in various sectors such as retail, logistics, and marketing. While both appear to fulfill the function of storing information, they have differences based on structure and storage size as well as the function they perform. This makes it easier for businesses to distinguish what is relevant in barcodes and what is relevant in QR codes so that they can be in a position to adopt the right technology that will suit their needs well.

What is a Barcode?

Barcode provides us with a way to store numbers in a computer-understandable format. This is used to store information in a 1D or 2D format that can be scanned for data retrieval. It is used by stores' back-off sweaters for keeping track of the patients just in case of rental car services to track where the car is in cases of airline luggage. 

Advantages of Barcodes

  • Simplicity: Barcodes are easy to implement and can be put into use within a short span of time and with comparatively less investment.
  • Low Cost: The equipment and technology required in the generation as well as the scanning of the bar codes are relatively cheap.
  • Quick Scanning: As has already been discussed, barcodes are easy to scan and this makes them suitable for_numeric environments such as the retail sector.

Disadvantages of Barcodes

  • Limited Data Capacity: Barcodes also have a limited data processing capability with limited numerical values, of between 8-20 characters per barcode.
  • One-Dimensional: Barcode is more vast than OWLT and cannot contain complex information since it is one-dimensional.
  • Prone to Damage: That is why they can be barely scratched or damaged in such a manner that they will not scan properly.
Barcode - GeeksforGeeks

What is QR code ?

QR codes are a way of storing data in the form of computer understandable format, that can be scanned by using QR code scanner to retrieve the data. These are widely used nowadays for cashless and UPI payment services. They can be used in case of identifications and are also used for sharing photos, videos and other files. 

Advantages of QR Codes

  • High Data Capacity: QR codes contain the ability to enclose thousands of characters that include numbers, letters and even the binary data.
  • Small Physical Footprint: In fact, most QR codes are small in size even though they have a high storage capacity thereby making it possible to print them despite the limited amount of space.
  • Error Correction: QR codes are also created with erasure correction, so the code can still be scanned even if SOME of the dots are scratched out.
  • Versatile Applications: According to the functional aspect QR codes can be used in marketing, payments, wither links, multimedia information storage etc.

Disadvantages of QR Codes

  • Requires Specific Software: Unlike barcodes that can be scanned by an ordinary laser scan gun, QR code must be scanned with a QR code scanner or simply an advanced telephone or tablet with a QR code scanner application.
  • Overuse in Marketing: The use of QR codes has been popularized mainly in the marketing sector, hence consumers are used to seeing it and may opt to look the other way.

    QR Code that scans to www.geeksforgeeks.org 
GFG QR Code

Difference between Barcode and QR Code

BarcodeQR code
It was developed in 1952.It was developed in 1994.
It was developed by Norman Joseph Woodland.It was developed by Masahiro Hara.
It is of 2 types, 1 dimensional and 2 dimensional.It is only of 1 type.
It is a way of storing numbers in a printed and computer understandable format.It is a type of 2D barcode or printed representation of data that can be scanned for data retrieval.
It is used at stores for tracking all purchased items, in hospitals for tracking the records of patients, in rental cars business and tracking of airline luggage, mails and nuclear waste.It is used in supermarkets, hospitals, cinema or by individuals etc. for transfer of data (sharing contacts, photos, videos and other documents).
It is based on Morse Code technology.It is based on Morse Code technology.
It requires line of sight.It requires line of sight.
It has lesser data storage as compared to Fastag.It has more data storage than the barcodes.
Only one barcode is examined at once.Only one QR code is examined at once.
Only Reading is done using Barcode.Only Reading is done using Barcode.
It is slower in processing as compared to Fastag.It is slower in processing as compared to Fastag.
It stores information horizontally.It stores information horizontally and vertically.
It is a vertical arrangement of parallel lines (according to the standard version).It is an arrangement of square dots on square grids.
It stores less information than QR codes.It stores more information than barcodes (it is used to store multimedia data).

Conclusion

While barcodes and QR codes are used to store data and retrieve it, their use is different for different purposes. Barcodes are most suitable for basic and cheap uses: and this may include identification of products in retail. On the other hand, QR codes as they are capable of containing more complex data should be used in more diverse uses such as in marketing, mobile money and the likes. Both are viable methodologies that the businesses should weigh depending on their need in the business.


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