Better+Barcodes

**BARCODE**

**__Barcode definition:__** A barcode is an optical machine-readable representation of data, which shows data about the object to which it attaches.

**__How they work__****:** Originally barcodes represented data by varying the widths and spacing of parallel lines, and may be referred to as linear or 1 dimensional (1D).

Later on they evolved into rectangles, dots, hexagons and other geometric patterns in 2 dimensions (2D). **__How they are used:__** Barcodes originally were scanned by special optical scanners called barcode readers; later, scanners and interpretive software became available on devices including desk top printers and smart phones. 

**__Benefits of barcodes:__** There are two basic advantages to barcode over manual data entry: Speed, and Accuracy. For 12 characters of data, keyboard entry takes six seconds. Scanning a 12 character barcode takes three seconds.

**__Non benefits:__** The only disadvantage is that data must be coded in the barcode. This can be an additional cost.As well as the fact that installing bar code systems into businesses can be very expensive. Barcodes that are printed on a torn section of packaging, or that have been smeared, smudged or otherwise damaged, will present additional scanning problems.