What Is A QR Code?

Learn about what a QR code is in this article.

Stands for a Quick Response code. A QR code is a type of barcode that consists of a matrix of black and white squares, used to store URLs and other data that can be read by a QR code scanner or a built-in camera on a smartphone. QR codes can store more information than traditional barcodes and mostly handle alphanumeric, numeric, binary, and Kanji data.

The barcode reader in the QR code scanner or smartphone interprets the barcode. Once scanned, the software translates the dots within the code into numbers or a string of characters, which allows the user to instantly access the information.

Uses Of QR Codes

Examples of uses of QR codes are:

• Sharing links to websites, contact information, apps to directly download on the Apple App Store or Google Play, or phone numbers to directly call. This provides a faster way for people to access websites and download apps than by manually entering URLs.
• Authenticating electronic accounts and verifying login details.
• Sending and receiving payment information.
• Storing Wi-Fi network authentication details, including SSID, password and encryption type used to access a Wi-Fi network.
• Scanning a boarding pass at an airport or a ticket for an event.
• Storing product information. When scanned, product information is revealed, such as nutritional information.
• Tracking packages sent to postal services.

Types Of QR Codes

The two most common types of QR codes are:

• Static QR codes - Public information is often shared using static QR codes. They often appear in ads in newspapers and magazines, and also on posters and billboards. The person who created the code can keep track of information regarding the number of times their code was scanned, the scanning location, and the operating system.
• Dynamic QR codes - These can be edited at any time and offer more features than static QR codes. They are often used by food manufacturers so that the product information can be updated whenever their product needs updating instead of needing to print new packaging. They can also be used to target specific individuals for personalised marketing.

Security of QR Codes

QR codes themselves are not dangerous. They don't record any personal information. They only record the scanning location, time, and operating system used, which can be seen by the creator of the QR code. Although QR codes cannot be hacked, they can be used to scam people. Some QR codes may contain links to malicious websites that try to download malware or phish for user's details. That is why you should only scan QR codes from trusted senders and not scan random ones that come from people you don't know.

History

In 1994, the first QR code system was introduced by the Japanese company Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota. They required a more accurate way to track vehicles and parts during the manufacturing process. They developed a type of barcode that could encode kanji, kana, and alphanumeric characters to achieve this. The codes were originally used for tracking inventory and required a separate reader app, but from iOS 11 and Android 8.0 onwards, QR code readers come built-in with most mobile device cameras.