What is a QR Code?

A QR code is a two-dimensional barcodea containing encoded data readable by a QR code scanner. Developed in 1994 by Toyota engineer Denso Wave, the 'Quick Response' barcodes are typically used to store website addresses, phone numbers and email addresses; when scanned with a QR code reader - available free of cost or for purchase - the data is decoded and displayed on any device with a camera.

These barcodes are employed in many different contexts, such as product tracking, time management, document organization and marketing. However, their most common use is providing easy access to info about a product or service.

For example, restaurants may opt out of traditional menus and replace them with QR codes that when scanned lead customers to the restaurant's menu online or even order items via the restaurant's POS system.

In order to decode and read a QR code you must get yourself a QR code reader which comes as free or paid software; simply open the app once downloaded and point your camera at the desired QR code and it will be scanned immediately displaying the stored information onscreen.

These systems can save various kinds of data for instance text, URLs, contacts plus launch particular apps or commands; like visiting websites within browsers or adding contacts to address books even calling phone numbers directly from scanning. Nevertheless, make sure you only scan trustworthy sources of QR codes otherwise malicious content could damage your device.