What is a QR Code?
A QR code (Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional barcode that can store information like URLs, contact details, WiFi passwords, and more. Unlike traditional barcodes that can only be read horizontally, QR codes can be scanned from any angle, making them incredibly fast and convenient.
Originally invented in 1994 by a Japanese company to track automotive parts, QR codes have exploded in popularity. Today, nearly every smartphone can scan them instantly using the built-in camera app.
How QR Codes Work
QR codes use a grid of black and white squares to encode data in binary format. The three large squares in the corners help scanners detect the code's orientation. The remaining pattern contains your actual data, plus error correction information that allows the code to work even if part of it is damaged.
The "damage resistance" setting (technically called error correction) determines how much of the code can be obscured while still scanning successfully. Higher settings add redundant data, making larger QR codes but ensuring reliability in harsh conditions.