What is a QR code, and how does it work?

QR codes have quickly become powerful tools of information exchange and sharing, being used in everything from online payments to digital restaurant menus. But what is a QR code? What do you do with them? Let’s decode the magic behind these scattered black and white squares. Read on.

What are QR codes?

The answer to what are quick response codes, often known as QR codes, is really simple.

QR codes are 2D barcodes that are readable by a device, such as a smartphone,  in a visual manner and store information. A key difference between QR codes and the traditional barcode is that QR codes can store data of different types such as alphanumeric characters, binary and even the Kanji characters. These codes are so widespread and now appear on product packaging, marketing materials, event tickets, and so on.

Anatomy of a QR code

QR codes are particular types of two-dimensional barcodes that consist of black squares arranged in a white background forming a square grid.

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These patterns incorporate data in two directions, horizontal and vertical, hence larger data can be kept in a small space. The first three squares of color in the four corners of the code, referred to as alignment patterns, provide the devices precisely to scan and decode the information.

How is QR code technology operated?

The QR code’s functionality depends on the principles of data encoding and decoding. A QR code reader scans the QR code using a smartphone or any other scanner. Then the camera captures the image of the code. The QR code reader’s software subsequently reads and interprets the alternating black and white squares patterns, extracting the pixelated information.

The QR codes employ the error correction methods for ensuring that even when a part of the QR code is destroyed, hidden, or damaged it is still functional. The robustness of QR codes guarantees the right accuracy in scanning even in suboptimal situations

Varieties of QR codes

One of the biggest factors for the success of QR codes is their versatility. These codes are able to store different types of data, including websites, contact details, Wi-Fi network login, and even payment details. Due to this versatility, QR codes are an important part of various fields, ranging from retail and advertising to logistics and healthcare.

How are QR codes used? 

Let’s discover some examples of how QR codes are used in the real world to demonstrate their relevance. In retail, QR codes on packaging are used by businesses to enable customers to get product information, reviews and promotional offers with just one simple scan. In marketing practice, QR codes are brought into advertisements whereby users can visit a web site, watch a video or participate in a survey right away.

The COVID-19 pandemic initiated a new era for QR codes as they became very important tools for contactless service delivery. Restaurants, cafes and many other places put up QR codes for digital menus, which aimed at minimising contact and ensuring safety.

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To conclude, QR codes are not simply a series of pixelated patterns; instead, they epitomise connection between the tangible and intangible and make sharing any information easier and the user experience more vivid. By adapting to the QR code era, a number of opportunities will be available, providing a hassle-free and convenient mechanism to connect and exchange details in the rapidly evolving digital world. 

हिंदी में पढ़ें: QR कोड क्या है और यह कैसे काम करता है?