Code39

Code39 is a one-dimensional barcode symbology that is widely used in various industries, including manufacturing, warehousing, and healthcare. It is also known as Code 3 of 9, Code 39 Barcode, or Alpha39. Its simplicity and flexibility make it a popular choice for inventory tracking and labeling.

The symbology encodes alphanumeric characters and a few special characters using a pattern of wide and narrow bars and spaces. Each character is represented by nine elements, of which three are wide and six are narrow. This encoding scheme allows for a relatively high data density compared to some simpler barcode types. Code39 supports uppercase letters (A-Z), numbers (0-9), and the symbols -, ., $, /, +, %, and space.

A key feature of Code39 is its self-checking nature, meaning that it does not require a separate check digit for error detection, although a check digit can be added for increased accuracy. This simplifies implementation and scanning processes. It is also an open standard, meaning it is free to use without licensing fees, contributing to its widespread adoption. The barcode can be read by most standard barcode scanners.