Enterprise-grade Code 39 Barcode Reader SDK
The Scanbot Code 39 Scanner SDK lets you integrate fast barcode scanning into your mobile app in no time. Use any iOS, Android, or Windows device as a flexible scanning tool. It’s fast, accurate, and cost-effective!
Definition
Code 39 is a one-dimensional barcode symbology that can vary in length. It is defined in ISO/IEC 16388:2007. In the US, it was standardized and adopted by the Automotive Industry Action Group and is now used as the standard VIN Barcode.
- Also known as “Code 3 of 9”
- encodes 43 characters: uppercase letters, numeric digits, and several special characters
- It does not contain a check digit, so it is self-checking. Occasionally, it contains a modulo 43 check digit
- The low data density makes it unsuitable for tiny items
History
Being the first barcode to use both numbers and letters, Code 39 is one of the earliest and most widely used barcode symbologies. It was developed in 1974 by Dr. David Allais and Ray Stevens of Intermec Corporation in the United States. Originally designed for 40 possible characters, it was later reduced to 39 characters, which also gave it its name. Initially, Code 39 was standardized as ANSI MH 10.8 M-1983 and ANSI/AIM BC1/1995 in the US.
Applications
Despite its age, Code 39 still remains in use today, particularly in industrial applications, inventory management, and military logistics. Unlike other standard barcodes, Code 39 can encode letters, making it suitable for labeling, product identification, and inventory control. It is frequently used in factory automation in the automotive and electronics industries.
Benefits
Its ability to encode both letters and numbers enables Code 39 to represent a wide range of data, such as product IDs and serial numbers. Besides that, it can be read by both humans and machines, reducing the chance of errors in situations requiring manual verification or data entry. Code 39 is virtually compatible with any barcode scanner, ensuring broad usability across different systems.
Limitations
However, Code 39 has some restrictions compared to other barcodes. Due to its low data density, it requires more space to encode the same amount of information than other barcodes. In addition, the more information is encoded, the longer the barcode gets, making it impractical for applications with limited space.
No more outdated scanning devices with the Scanbot Code 39 Barcode Scanner SDK
Using the Scanbot Code 39 Barcode Scanner SDK, you can…
- Extract 1D barcodes – such as Code 39 – with smartphones
- Reduce data entry costs significantly
- Turn modern smartphones into sophisticated multi-tools that talk directly to your systems
- Cut time-to-value – implemented within one week
- Capture data flawlessly
