A barcode scanner is a device used to read and decode barcode information. It typically consists of a light source, a lens, and a light sensor translating optical impulses into electrical signals. When the scanner passes over a barcode, the light from the scanner is absorbed by the black bars and reflected by the white spaces, which generates a pattern of electrical signals. These signals are then decoded into alphanumeric characters by specialized software within the scanner or a connected computer.

Barcode scanners are widely used in various industries such as retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics for tasks like inventory management, point-of-sale transactions, tracking goods, and managing assets. There are different types of barcode scanners available, including handheld scanners, stationary scanners, and mobile device scanners, each suited for different applications and environments.