QR codes can be found almost everywhere, but how do they actually work? We’ll explain how they work and how to use QR codes safely.
What exactly is a QR code?
QR codes can now be found on every street corner. Whether for scanning a menu in a restaurant, reviews for a service or simply useful information – the codes have found their place in our everyday lives. But what exactly is a QR code and what is behind it?
- The term QR code stands for ” Quick Response Code “. This means that it is designed to be decoded quickly.
- In contrast to the well-known barcode, the QR code is two-dimensional and can therefore hold more information. The code can contain various types of data, including text, URLs or contact information.
- There is an upper limit to the amount of data. The more information you want to put into the code, the larger it becomes. But the limit is 177×177 elements. According to the manufacturer, this corresponds to 4,296 alphanumeric characters or 7,089 decimal numbers.
- With a QR code, you can, for example, scan digital business cards, view timetable information or get more information about a poster or flyer.
- QR codes can be scanned with smartphones and other devices with a camera – provided they have the corresponding function. After scanning the code, the information it contains is displayed.
The QR code was developed by the Japanese company Denso Wave in 1994 and is a two-dimensional code.
How to Create a QR Code for a Link for Free
How does a QR code work?
The way a QR code works is very simple. Especially if you just want to scan the code and see the information it contains. But creating a QR code is also very simple these days and can be done easily using programs on the Internet.
- As a user, all you need for the QR code is your Some models require a specific app (such as Google Lens) to read the code. You can find this in the App Store. On other devices, such as current versions from Apple, it is sufficient to encode the code with your normal camera and then click on the displayed web page.
- If you want to create a QR code yourself, you need a so-called QR code generator.
- With the help of a manual or the detailed instructions on the website, you can create your own QR code in just a few steps. You can then print it out or have it stylishly engraved for business purposes.
Security of a QR code
While QR codes are undoubtedly useful, it is also important to consider their security aspects. Here you will learn what you need to consider when creating and using QR codes.
- Be careful when scanning a QR code, especially if the code comes from an unknown source. A QR code may contain an encrypted URL that can lead to a malicious website, so make sure you get the code from a trusted source.
- Before opening or viewing the contents of a QR code, you should make sure you understand and can trust the content. A QR code can be used in a variety of ways to spread malware, viruses, or fraudulent content. It’s important to watch for suspicious prompts or unwanted links and carefully review the contents of the QR code before opening it.
- QR codes can store various types of information, including personal data such as contact information, email addresses, or even passwords. For security reasons, it is important not to store or share sensitive information unprotected in a QR code.
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