QR codes, or Quick Response codes, are a type of two-dimensional barcode that can store information such as text, URLs, and even small amounts of data. They were first invented in 1994 by Masahiro Hara, an engineer at Denso Wave, a Japanese company.
In the early days, QR codes were mainly used for tracking and inventory management purposes. However, with the rise of smartphones and mobile devices, their use has expanded to include various other applications such as payment processing, authentication, and even marketing.
QR codes can be used in various ways, from simple tasks like sharing contact information or URLs to more complex applications such as payment processing and authentication.
For instance, you can use a QR code to share your social media profiles with friends and family. You can also use them to access exclusive content, such as videos or music tracks, by scanning the code on a poster or flyer.
As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative uses for QR codes. For instance, they could be used to track inventory levels in real-time or even as a form of digital identification.
Additionally, the rise of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies may also lead to new and exciting applications for QR codes.