How QR Code works ??

Pratham Shirke
3 min readJun 10, 2023

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QR Code is used alot in our day to day life.
  1. Creating a QR Code: When you want to make a QR code, you start with the information you want to share. It could be a website URL, some text, or contact details. Then, a special program turns that information into a unique pattern of black and white squares.
  2. Structure of a QR Code: A QR code has different parts. At the corners, you’ll see square patterns called finder patterns. These help the scanning device find and read the code. Inside the code, there are smaller square patterns called alignment patterns, which assist with accurate scanning. The code also has lines that separate it into modules, which are the black and white squares containing the actual data.
  3. Scanning a QR Code: To scan a QR code, you use your smartphone or a QR code reader app. When you point your camera at the code, the app detects its position and aligns with it. It then reads the black and white squares and converts them into information.
  4. Decoding and Action: Once the app has successfully scanned the code, it understands the information stored in it. For example, if it’s a website URL, the app can open that website for you. If it’s text or contact details, it can display them on your screen or add the contact to your address book.

Advantages of QR Codes:

  1. Easy to use: QR codes are simple to scan using a smartphone or QR code reader app. You don’t have to type anything manually.
  2. Quick access to information: By scanning a QR code, you can instantly get information like website links, contact details, or event information. It saves time and effort.
  3. Can be used in many ways: QR codes work on different things like printed materials, websites, apps, and product packaging. They can be used on labels, posters, business cards, or digital screens.
  4. Work even if damaged: QR codes can still be scanned even if they are partially damaged or distorted. They are designed to withstand errors, making them reliable.
  5. Help track and analyze: QR codes can be used to track how many people scan them and gain insights. It helps businesses understand how well their campaigns are doing.

Disadvantages of QR Codes:

  1. Need a smartphone and app: You need a smartphone with a camera and a QR code scanning app to use QR codes. If you don’t have these, you can’t scan them.
  2. Can’t store a lot of data: QR codes have limits on how much information they can hold. If you need to store a large amount of data, they may not be suitable.
  3. Security risks: Sometimes, QR codes can be manipulated by bad people. Scanning a compromised QR code can lead to scams, malware, or unauthorized access to your data. Be cautious and scan only from trusted sources.
  4. Different types of QR codes: There are different standards for QR codes, and not all scanners can read every type. This can cause problems if your scanner doesn’t support a particular type.
  5. Not everyone knows about them: While QR codes are popular in some places, not everyone is familiar with them. Some people may not know how to scan them or might be hesitant to use them.

In summary, QR codes are easy to use and provide quick access to information. They can be used in various ways and are helpful for tracking and analysis. However, they require a smartphone and app, have limits on data capacity, come with security risks, have different types that may not work with all scanners, and not everyone is aware of them.

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