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Technology ยท Topic 59 of 118

Barcodes

A barcode is a pattern of lines and spaces that a scanner reads to identify a product. Each barcode is unique, so shops can track items and prices.

๐Ÿ’ก Fun fact

The first barcode scanned in a shop was a packet of chewing gum in 1974.

All about Barcodes

A barcode is a pattern of lines and spaces that a scanner reads to identify a product. Each barcode is unique, so shops can track items and prices.

Barcodes make checkouts faster and help with stock control.

Each barcode represents a number that identifies a product. When a shop scanner reads the barcode, it looks up the number in a computer to find the price and name of the item.

Each product has its own unique barcode, so the shop can tell exactly which item has been sold and update its records automatically.

๐ŸŽฎ Try it yourself!

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Real-life uses of Barcodes

  • Scanning items at shops
  • Tracking stock in warehouses
  • Managing library books

Frequently asked questions about Barcodes

What does a barcode identify?

A product.

What reads a barcode?

A scanner.