what is qr code and how does it work

A QR code (Quick Response code) is a type of two-dimensional barcode that stores information as a pattern of black and white squares arranged in a square grid. It was invented in 1994 by the Japanese company Denso Wave to track automobile parts. Unlike traditional barcodes, which read data in one direction, QR codes store data both horizontally and vertically, enabling them to hold significantly more information, such as website URLs, phone numbers, or text up to 4,000 characters. QR codes are widely used in marketing, digital payments, product tracking, and various applications involving quick data access through scanning with smartphones or QR readers. QR codes work by encoding data into specific pixel patterns within a square matrix. When scanned by a QR code reader or a smartphone camera, the device interprets the pattern through image processing and error correction, extracting the encoded data. This data then triggers an action like opening a URL, connecting to Wi- Fi, or displaying text. QR codes can encode alphanumeric, numeric, binary, or even Japanese Kanji characters. In summary, QR codes act as a bridge between the physical and digital worlds by enabling swift access to stored digital information via scanning.