Any Good Resources For Getting Started With Barcode Programming?
I want to be able to store product information in the database for a web application, I decided it would be good to use the barcode as a good product identifier. Right now I just want to be able to store the numerical representation of the code in the database, so I need to find out maximum lenghts, formats, etc...
Eventually I would like to be able to integrate it with a barcode reader.
Are there any good resources out there to help someone get started with barcode programming?
Answer
Based on a number of barcode projects, here's a quick summary.
Your application doesn't need to know or do anything differently because you're using barcodes. They are just a representation of data that might otherwise be printed. The symbology and dimensions can be dealt with in an encapsulated abstraction layer that you put together when you need it.
Symbologies are generally determined by spot requirements, such as customer standards, industry standards, etc. If it's for internal use, Code 39 is generally considered a good default.
For printing, most requirements can be dealt with using a laser printer, special label stock, and downloadable fonts. Special printers are also available from a number of sources, including Zebra, Intermec, etc.; but these are more expensive, and you need to watch out for proprietary (read: expensive) paper to print on.
Fonts. Google for "barcode fonts" in general, but a handy alternative is this Postscript barcode generator that will print most any symbology in most any dimensions on most any Postscript printer.
Reading barcodes. For reading barcodes with a PC input device, normally this is implemented either with a device driver providing your normal open/close/read/write/ioctl equivalents, or as a surrogate keyboard inline with your actual keyboard, so input appears as keystrokes (optionally with a terminal newline.) Non-PC devices obviously have their own programming requirements.