Codabar - Dynamsoft Barcode Reader SDK

What is a Codabar?

Codabar is a self-checking barcode that is designed to be read on printed forms, especially from dot-matrix printers. Its typical uses include Fed-Ex packages and blood bank forms. In many ways, the Codabar code has become outdated, as newer code forms now allow a much larger amount of information to be contained in a much smaller space. However, the Codabar is not yet obsolete and is still in use in libraries (on the spines of books) and several other organizations.

Developed by Pitney Bowes, Inc. in 1972, Codabar is also referred to as the self-checking barcode. It is a discrete symbol that encodes up to 16 different characters along with 4 start/stop characters.

Codabar can encode digits from zero to nine with six symbols (-:.$/+), and lastly, the start/stop characters - A, B, C, D, E, *, N, or T. The start/stop characters should not appear elsewhere in the barcode and should be used in matching pairs. Also, there is no established checksum digit for Codabar as it is self-checking.

Here is what a Codabar barcode looks like:

As compared to the newer symbologies that can hold more data information in a lesser area, the Codabar barcodes have a bigger installed base in libraries.

Where is a Codabar used?

Codabar barcodes are mainly used by healthcare and logistics professionals, entailing, FedEx packages and airbills, U.S. blood bank forms, libraries, photo labs, etc.

Industry

• Logistics
• Healthcare
• Education

How could Dynamsoft help you with Codabar?

Dynamsoft barcode reader enables you to efficiently embed high-speed and reliable barcode reading functionality in your web, desktop or mobile application using just a few lines of code.

Download the free trial SDK, explore our helpful resource center including sample codes, tutorials, guides and more to get started.