A barcode is a one-dimensional (1D) pattern of vertical lines that encodes up to ~20 characters. A QR code is a two-dimensional (2D) matrix that can store up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters.
Barcodes encode data in the width and spacing of parallel lines, read by a laser scanner in one direction. QR codes use a grid of dark and light modules read in two dimensions by a camera, enabling vastly more data capacity and built-in error correction.
Barcodes are standard for SKU scanning in retail and warehouses.
QR codes link to websites, videos, or forms — impossible with barcodes.
Airlines use QR codes to encode passenger data, gate, and seat info.
Not entirely. Barcodes remain dominant in retail POS. QR codes excel in marketing, payments, and consumer engagement.
Yes, but dedicated apps are often needed. QR codes work natively with most phone cameras.
Neither is inherently secure — both encode plain data. Security depends on what the data links to.
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