This document provides an overview of barcode technology. It defines a barcode as a machine-readable visual representation of data that varies the widths and spacings of parallel lines. Barcodes store product information like manufacturing date and price. They work by being scanned by barcode readers that convert the patterns into binary code for computers. Barcodes are widely used for inventory management in stores and healthcare settings to identify patients and documents. They provide benefits like fast and accurate data collection but require special scanning devices and are susceptible to damage.