QR Codes, What Are They, How Do They Work, and Why Use It ?

After conducting a bit of research, I have figured out that a QR code (Quick Response code in non-abbreviated form) is a a two-dimensional bar-code which usually contains an encoded web address, text or another form of gathered information. This allows for people to scan the code off of a printed material to content on a website in minutes. When one wishes to generate a QR code, one can go to any number of various QR generator websites ( some popular ones being myqr.co, Kaywa, and Delivr) and then posting the URL into the generator and out pops the the blocky, concealed code. Once the code is generated, it can be tracked by a QR tracking website. Some websites such as myqr.co can even show you anything from how many times your code is scanned by people to how many people peruse your website as a result of scanning the code.

So with all that in mind, my next question is why use QR codes at all? The simplest answer: Marketing. QR codes are now being used often as marketing tools for which to sell their products and get their name out there. These codes can be put on most anything printed like posters, packages, stickers, the list goes on and on. Another reason why to use a QR code is technology. By now, people the world over use or can use some form of smart phone and most of these phones have QR apps that are easy to download and for free. Smart phones give people portable scanners in a sense and many companies are getting in on the tactics of using bar codes to pique the interest of the people and to get as many hits on their websites as possible to help boost business and sales.

So overall, QR codes are pretty neat codes, and are in many ways, like a box of chocolates. Once scanned, you never know what you're going to get.