1. Barcode :
Barcode is a widely used method to store information pictorially in a computer understandable format. It uses lines and spaces to store numbers. The stored numbers can be retrieved by the computer using a scanner also known as the barcode scanner. Among others, it is used extensively in retail, car rental, hospitalization industries.
Barcode that scans to GeeksforGeeks –
2. QR code :
QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes that are used to store data. The codes are scanned by a QR scanner to get access to the information stored in it. They were developed in the year 1994, in Japan. They are a method of storing multimedia data (video, audio, pictures, links, etc.) horizontally and vertically.
QR Code that scans to www.geeksforgeeks.org –
3. Near Field Communication (NFC) :
It was introduced in the year 2002 by Phillips and Sony. NFC is a Near Field Communication method that becomes very useful in transferring data between 2 devices that are kept in a distance of 4 centimeters or less. It is based on the principle of coupling (inductive coupling).
NFC on a speaker –
Difference between QR Code, Bar Code, and NFC :
| S.No. | Barcode | QR code | NFC |
|---|
| 1. | It was developed in the year 1952. | It was developed in the year 1994. | It was developed in the year 2002. |
| 2. | It was developed by Norman Joseph Woodland. | It was developed by Masahiro Hara. | It was developed by Franz Amtmann and Philippe Mangars. |
| 3. | There are 2 types, 1 dimensional and 2 dimensional, or barcodes. | There is only of 1 type. | There is only of 1 type. |
| 4. | It is a way of storing numbers in a printed and computer understandable format. | It is a type of 2D barcode or printed representation of data that can be scanned for data retrieval. | It is a communication protocol for communication between devices (electronic) within a distance of 4cm. |
| 5. | It is used at stores for tracking all purchased items, in hospitals for tracking the records of patients, in rental cars business, and tracking of airline luggage, mails, and nuclear waste. | It is used in supermarkets, hospitals, cinema or by individuals, etc. for the transfer of data (sharing contacts, photos, videos, and other documents.). | It is used as identity cards, as key cards, and as a method of contactless payments and mobile payments in various sectors such as retail, automobile, cinema, etc. |
| 6. | It is based on Morse Code technology. | It is based on Morse Code technology. | It is based on inductive coupling between antennas of the devices. |
| 7. | It requires line of sight. | It requires line of sight. | It requires proximity (distance between the devices must be less than 4 centimeters, hence the name, Near field). |
| 8. | Only one barcode is examined at once. | Only one QR code is examined at once. | Only one NFC is examined at once. |