A QR Code is a two-dimensional, square code that stores information in a matrix of black and white squares or dots. It was developed in 1994 by the Japanese company Denso Wave with the goal of making large amounts of data quickly and easily machine-readable. QR Codes are versatile and can be read using most modern smartphones, tablets, or specialized scanners.
A QR Code is made up of various components (modules) that allow it to be scanned quickly and efficiently. For example, every QR Code contains position markers that help scanners recognize and properly align the code. Data and error correction modules ensure that a QR Code remains readable even if it is partially damaged or obscured (up to 30%). The data modules are the small black and white squares or dots that contain the actual information encoded in the QR Code, such as URLs, contact information, payment details, Wi-Fi credentials, or text. These are encoded in a binary format (0s and 1s), where black represents 1 and white represents 0.
The flexibility and user-friendliness of QR Codes have made them an indispensable technology with a wide range of applications in everyday life. They are used in the following areas, among others: