Barcode Definition & Types: A Beginner’s Guide to Barcode Technology – 2025

Barcode technology has become an essential part of modern business operations, helping companies streamline their inventory management , sales, and distribution processes. In 2025, barcodes are still widely used across industries like retail, logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing. The technology has evolved significantly, with new types of barcodes offering increased functionality and versatility. In this beginner's guide, we will explore the definition of barcodes, their different types, and how they are used in various industries today. What is a Barcode? A barcode is a machine-readable representation of data that is used to store information about a product or asset. It typically consists of a series of vertical lines (bars) and spaces, which encode data such as a product’s identification number, price, or other relevant details. Barcodes are designed to be quickly scanned by a laser or camera-based scanner, enabling businesses to capture information instantly and accuratel...