When it comes to Quick Response (QR) codes, different types of open source QR code programs are often developed to provide a range of features. Many of these programs, for example, can be used to create a code using source data such as plain text, an image, or a link to a website. There is also software available that is designed to run on a device, such as a smart phone or a computer, to “read” these images. Open source QR code programs can also include software that “decodes” the data in an image to relay information about it beyond what is seen through standard scanning.
QR codes are essentially square-shaped bar codes often made up of straight lines and squares. These can be “read” by certain scanners and by smart phones that have a camera and the software necessary to scan and read them. They are created as a means of imbedding different types of data into a small and easily accessible graphic. Once scanned, the data is displayed on the screen of a reader or phone.
Many types of open source QR code programs are created to allow someone to quickly and easily make one of these images. Although different methods can be used for this, a program typically prompts a user to input or select a source file or piece of information. This can be an image, a section of text, or even a link to an Internet website. The open source QR code software then creates an image that can be saved, printed, or used in a number of different ways to relay information.
There are also open source QR code programs that can be used to read and understand these images. One of the major drawbacks to this method for data transfer is that a piece of software, such as a phone application or app, needs to be used for a device to read the code. Open source programs can be freely used and distributed to allow people to more easily read images that are created. This can be important for a company that wants to use these images as part of an advertising campaign and provide tools for customers to read them.
Open source QR code developments can also include libraries of different codes and programs that “decode” them. Libraries can be fairly simple, allowing someone to better organize and track their images. More complex versions can include online databases of various graphics that have been created and used by companies. There are also programs that can be used to view the actual source code behind the creation of these images.