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What exactly is a barcode? A barcode is a square or rectangular picture made up of a sequence of parallel black lines and white spaces of varying lengths that can be read by a scanner. Products are labeled with barcodes to make them easier to recognize. They're utilized in a variety of places, including retail businesses to aid in the purchasing process, in warehouses to manage inventory, and for bills to aid in accounting.
Can you use the .NET platform to read and produce barcodes? Yes, you may use the .NET framework to create and scan barcodes. In this article, we'll look at how a developer may produce and scan barcodes within a .NET language environment. We will discuss and compare two software programs that developers use to work with barcodes. These are the tools you'll need:
IronBarcode is a .NET library for reading and creating barcodes. IronBarcode, a popular .NET barcode library, can create a wide variety of 1 and 2 dimensional barcodes, as well as customizable (colored and branded) QR codes. IronBarcode allows programmers to utilize any .NET language.
IronBarcode is compatible with .NET Core 2x and 3x, .NET Standard, .NET Framework 4x, and Azure. It generates postscript output and converts text strings using a number of standard codes.
IronBarcode.BarcodeReader
Static Class API reduces barcode and QR code reading to a single line of code.BarcodeWriter
and QRCodeWriter
static classes are used to create a fault-tolerant barcode and QR-writing API. Barcode data can usually be extracted with two lines of code.QRCodeWriter
provides advanced support for rendering QR codes with advanced features.Developers use the Dynamsoft Barcode Reader to swiftly integrate 1D and 2D barcode scanning into their programs that operate on a variety of platforms. It may also be used as a strong QR code reader or a 2D imager in addition to scanning linear barcodes.
The barcode scanning SDK from Dynamsoft is the finest in the business. It can readily deal with a variety of situations, including:
With its default scanning settings, this SDK works well in many typical circumstances, but to get the best performance for your unique business requirements, this SDK is entirely adjustable so as to be able to optimize performance specifically for you. Select from a vast list of parameters, each of which contains a variety of modes. A mode is a particular function that the barcode reader may perform, and each mode can include a number of parameters that can be used to fine-tune or personalize the application further.
The Dynamsoft Barcode Reader SDK contains a functionality that isn't seen in any other barcode SDK. Developers may use it to get several data points from the decoding process. These "intermediate picture results" contain data that advanced users may utilize to increase efficiency or generate new applications in other workflows. In the process of decoding a barcode, numerous distinct sorts of intermediate picture outputs are generated.
The Dynamsoft barcode reader SDK is a reliable barcode scanner software that provides a barcode reading functionality for various types of barcodes.
Open the Visual Studio software and go to the File menu. Select "new project" and then select console application.
Enter the project name and select the path in the appropriate text box. Then, click the Create button. Select the required .NET framework, as in the screenshot below:
The Visual Studio project will now generate the structure for the selected application, and if you have selected the console, Windows, and web application, it will open the program.cs file where you can enter the code and build/run the application.
Now we can add the library and test the program.
The IronBarcode library can be downloaded and installed in four different ways. These are:
The Visual Studio software provides the NuGet Package Manager option to install the package directly to the solution. The below screenshot shows how to open the NuGet Package Manager.
It provides the search box to show the list of available package libraries from the NuGet site. In the package manager, we need to search for the keyword "IronBarCode", as in the below screenshot:
From the above image, we can see the list of the related packages in the search list. We need to select the IronBarcode option and install the package in our solution.
In the Visual Studio menu, Go to Tools-> NuGet Package manager -> Package manager console.
Enter the following line in the package manager console tab:
Install-Package BarCode
Now the package will download/install to the current project and be ready to use.
The third way is to download the package directly from the website.
Download the latest IronBarcode package from IronBarcode's website. After the download, follow the steps below to add the package to the project.
The Dynamsoft Barcode Reader SDK can be downloaded and installed in four different ways. These are:
The Dynamsoft barcode reader enables developers to easily integrate its tool with .NET projects using the Visual Studio NuGet Package Manager. Follow the steps below:
It provides a search box to show the list of available package libraries from the NuGet site. In the package manager, we need to search for the keyword "Dynamsoft", as in the below screenshot:
In the above image we can see the list of the related packages from the search. We need to select the Dynamsoft option and install the package to our solution.
In the Visual Studio menu, go to Tools-> NuGet Package manager -> Package manager console
Enter the following line in the package manager console tab:
Install-Package Dynamsoft.DotNet.Barcode
The package will now download/install to the current project and be ready to use.
The third way is to download the NuGet package directly from the webpage.
Download the latest package directly from the webpage. After the download, follow the steps below to add the package to the project.
Reading barcodes to get the information embedded within is useful. In this section, we will discuss how these tools read different barcodes.
The Barcode Reader is a script that reads barcodes. The IronBarCode namespace's QuicklyReadOneBarcode
function is a fantastic tool for reading barcodes in the .NET framework. We can considerably enhance speed by choosing a barcode encoding scheme, and we can force it to automatically adjust for perspective and digital noise by setting the TryHarder
option to True
.
The QuicklyReadAllBarcodes
method is similar, but it can scan multiple barcodes for multipage documents like PDFs and multipage TIFFs.
using IronBarCode;
using System;
using System.Drawing;
class Program
{
static void Main(string[] args)
{
// Read a single barcode from an image file
BarcodeResult QRResult = BarcodeReader.QuicklyReadOneBarcode("QR.png");
if (QRResult != null)
{
string value = QRResult.Value;
Bitmap img = QRResult.BarcodeImage;
BarcodeEncoding barcodeType = QRResult.BarcodeType;
byte[] binary = QRResult.BinaryValue;
// Output the barcode value to the console
Console.WriteLine("Barcode Value: " + value);
}
else
{
// Output message when no barcode is found
Console.WriteLine("No barcode detected.");
}
}
}
using IronBarCode;
using System;
using System.Drawing;
class Program
{
static void Main(string[] args)
{
// Read a single barcode from an image file
BarcodeResult QRResult = BarcodeReader.QuicklyReadOneBarcode("QR.png");
if (QRResult != null)
{
string value = QRResult.Value;
Bitmap img = QRResult.BarcodeImage;
BarcodeEncoding barcodeType = QRResult.BarcodeType;
byte[] binary = QRResult.BinaryValue;
// Output the barcode value to the console
Console.WriteLine("Barcode Value: " + value);
}
else
{
// Output message when no barcode is found
Console.WriteLine("No barcode detected.");
}
}
}
Imports IronBarCode
Imports System
Imports System.Drawing
Friend Class Program
Shared Sub Main(ByVal args() As String)
' Read a single barcode from an image file
Dim QRResult As BarcodeResult = BarcodeReader.QuicklyReadOneBarcode("QR.png")
If QRResult IsNot Nothing Then
Dim value As String = QRResult.Value
Dim img As Bitmap = QRResult.BarcodeImage
Dim barcodeType As BarcodeEncoding = QRResult.BarcodeType
Dim binary() As Byte = QRResult.BinaryValue
' Output the barcode value to the console
Console.WriteLine("Barcode Value: " & value)
Else
' Output message when no barcode is found
Console.WriteLine("No barcode detected.")
End If
End Sub
End Class
The Dynamsoft Barcode Reader offers a powerful QR code and barcode reading functionality with simple code. Here we will discuss the simplest way to read barcodes from an image file and output barcode format and text.
using System;
using Dynamsoft;
using Dynamsoft.DBR;
namespace HelloWorld
{
class Program
{
static void Main(string[] args)
{
try
{
// 1. Initialize license. Replace the license key below with your own.
EnumErrorCode errorCode = BarcodeReader.InitLicense("DLS2eyJvcmdhbml6YXRpb25JRCI6IjIwMDAwMSJ9", out string errorMsg);
if (errorCode != EnumErrorCode.DBR_SUCCESS)
{
Console.WriteLine("License Error: " + errorMsg);
return;
}
// 2. Create an instance of Barcode Reader
BarcodeReader dbr = new BarcodeReader();
try
{
TextResult[] results = null;
// 3. Read barcode from an image file
results = dbr.DecodeFile("../../../../images/AllSupportedBarcodeTypes.png", "");
if (results != null && results.Length > 0)
{
for (int i = 0; i < results.Length; ++i)
{
Console.WriteLine("Result " + (i + 1).ToString() + ":");
// 4. Get format of each barcode
if (results[i].BarcodeFormat != EnumBarcodeFormat.BF_NULL)
Console.WriteLine(" Barcode Format: " + results[i].BarcodeFormatString);
else
Console.WriteLine(" Barcode Format: " + results[i].BarcodeFormatString_2);
// 5. Get text result of each barcode
Console.WriteLine(" Barcode Text: " + results[i].BarcodeText);
}
}
else
{
Console.WriteLine("No barcode detected.");
}
}
catch (BarcodeReaderException exp)
{
Console.WriteLine("Barcode Reader Error: " + exp.Message);
}
}
catch (Exception exp)
{
Console.WriteLine("Error: " + exp.Message);
}
finally
{
Console.WriteLine("Press any key to quit...");
Console.ReadKey();
}
}
}
}
using System;
using Dynamsoft;
using Dynamsoft.DBR;
namespace HelloWorld
{
class Program
{
static void Main(string[] args)
{
try
{
// 1. Initialize license. Replace the license key below with your own.
EnumErrorCode errorCode = BarcodeReader.InitLicense("DLS2eyJvcmdhbml6YXRpb25JRCI6IjIwMDAwMSJ9", out string errorMsg);
if (errorCode != EnumErrorCode.DBR_SUCCESS)
{
Console.WriteLine("License Error: " + errorMsg);
return;
}
// 2. Create an instance of Barcode Reader
BarcodeReader dbr = new BarcodeReader();
try
{
TextResult[] results = null;
// 3. Read barcode from an image file
results = dbr.DecodeFile("../../../../images/AllSupportedBarcodeTypes.png", "");
if (results != null && results.Length > 0)
{
for (int i = 0; i < results.Length; ++i)
{
Console.WriteLine("Result " + (i + 1).ToString() + ":");
// 4. Get format of each barcode
if (results[i].BarcodeFormat != EnumBarcodeFormat.BF_NULL)
Console.WriteLine(" Barcode Format: " + results[i].BarcodeFormatString);
else
Console.WriteLine(" Barcode Format: " + results[i].BarcodeFormatString_2);
// 5. Get text result of each barcode
Console.WriteLine(" Barcode Text: " + results[i].BarcodeText);
}
}
else
{
Console.WriteLine("No barcode detected.");
}
}
catch (BarcodeReaderException exp)
{
Console.WriteLine("Barcode Reader Error: " + exp.Message);
}
}
catch (Exception exp)
{
Console.WriteLine("Error: " + exp.Message);
}
finally
{
Console.WriteLine("Press any key to quit...");
Console.ReadKey();
}
}
}
}
Imports System
Imports Dynamsoft
Imports Dynamsoft.DBR
Namespace HelloWorld
Friend Class Program
Shared Sub Main(ByVal args() As String)
Try
' 1. Initialize license. Replace the license key below with your own.
Dim errorMsg As String
Dim errorCode As EnumErrorCode = BarcodeReader.InitLicense("DLS2eyJvcmdhbml6YXRpb25JRCI6IjIwMDAwMSJ9", errorMsg)
If errorCode <> EnumErrorCode.DBR_SUCCESS Then
Console.WriteLine("License Error: " & errorMsg)
Return
End If
' 2. Create an instance of Barcode Reader
Dim dbr As New BarcodeReader()
Try
Dim results() As TextResult = Nothing
' 3. Read barcode from an image file
results = dbr.DecodeFile("../../../../images/AllSupportedBarcodeTypes.png", "")
If results IsNot Nothing AndAlso results.Length > 0 Then
For i As Integer = 0 To results.Length - 1
Console.WriteLine("Result " & (i + 1).ToString() & ":")
' 4. Get format of each barcode
If results(i).BarcodeFormat <> EnumBarcodeFormat.BF_NULL Then
Console.WriteLine(" Barcode Format: " & results(i).BarcodeFormatString)
Else
Console.WriteLine(" Barcode Format: " & results(i).BarcodeFormatString_2)
End If
' 5. Get text result of each barcode
Console.WriteLine(" Barcode Text: " & results(i).BarcodeText)
Next i
Else
Console.WriteLine("No barcode detected.")
End If
Catch exp As BarcodeReaderException
Console.WriteLine("Barcode Reader Error: " & exp.Message)
End Try
Catch exp As Exception
Console.WriteLine("Error: " & exp.Message)
Finally
Console.WriteLine("Press any key to quit...")
Console.ReadKey()
End Try
End Sub
End Class
End Namespace
IronBarcode is a library that provides a developer's license for free. IronBarcode also has a distinct pricing structure: the Lite bundle starts at $749 with no hidden fees. The redistribution of SaaS and OEM products is also possible. All licenses have a 30-day money-back guarantee, a year of software support and upgrades, dev/staging/production validity, and a perpetual license (one-time purchase). IronBarcode also offers a free version. View IronBarcode's entire price structure and licensing options.
The Dynamsoft barcode reader offers flexible licensing options based on both "per barcode reading" and "per active browser client". The Dynamsoft barcode reader pricing is as follows:
The Dynamsoft barcode reader provides excellent licensing and support options to encourage developers to choose the Dynamsoft barcode reader SDK.
IronBarcode is a leading .NET barcode library that enables programmers to read and create barcodes. It supports a broad range of 1 and 2 dimensional barcodes, as well as customized (colored and branded) QR codes. IronBarCode allows developers to use all .NET related languages. IronBarcode is faster than any other C# Barcode reader and generator. It employs a unique algorithm that can easily scan crumpled QR codes with exceptional barcode recognition accuracy. It also offers a powerful QR code reader that is able to read any type of barcode and QR code with just a few lines of code. IronBarcode is excellent at reading barcodes from blurred images, and technical support is available to provide lifetime assistance.
The Dynamsoft Barcode Reader SDK also has a leg up on the competition when it comes to scanning numerous barcodes at once. It has different usage scenarios such as the barcode reading functionality for android mobile applications, Linux desktop, Linux mobile applications and iPhone mobile applications, as well as support for multiple browsers. Its also helps to scan low quality images for barcodes. Its provide embedded barcode reading functionality in your web, desktop, or mobile application, using just a few lines of code. The Dynamsoft barcode reader meets developers' needs for custom scanner resolution settings, providing timely and helpful responses, as well as implementing 1d and 2d decode barcodes. The Dynamsoft barcode reader support teams are available as long as licenses remain valid. It also offers the scanning of low quality images with high accuracy using the embedded barcode reading functionality.
The IronBarcode pricing structure is relatively low compared to the Dynamsoft licensing options, and it is probably the cost of the Dynamsoft barcode reader that makes it less desirable to users. Dynamsoft's fee structure is count-based, meaning that it depends on how many barcodes are scanned across different platforms such as Windows desktop and Mac desktop in single purchasing software. On the other hand IronBarcode offers a one-time purchase with no ongoing costs, whereas the Dynamsoft barcode reader pricing is based on yearly purchases.
After comparing both IronBarcode and the Dynamsoft barcode reader, we can conclude that IronBarcode offers additional features, not only for barcode reading, but also in providing functionality for barcode generation, and at a lower price. The Dynamsoft barcode reader offers more on the reading side, whereas IronBarcode offers all types of barcode-related services. For .NET programming, IronBarcode offers all the functions with only a few lines of code, something that its competitor fails to provide. On top of all that, Iron Software is currently offering all of its five software tools for the price of just two. The tools are as follows:
Please visit this link to explore the Iron Suite.
A barcode is a square or rectangular image consisting of a series of parallel black lines and white spaces of varying lengths that can be read by a scanner. They are used for labeling products to make them easier to recognize.
Yes, the .NET framework can be used to create and scan barcodes. Developers can use tools like IronBarcode and Dynamsoft Barcode Reader SDK within a .NET language environment.
IronBarcode supports a wide variety of 1D and 2D barcodes, allows barcode reading from multiple image formats, and includes features for customizing QR codes. It also provides functions for barcode writing, including exporting to images, HTML, and PDF.
The Dynamsoft Barcode Reader SDK offers multi-threaded barcode processing, barcode detection at any orientation, and decoding from low-quality images. It provides customization options to optimize performance for specific business requirements.
The IronBarcode library can be installed via the Visual Studio NuGet Package Manager, Visual Studio Command-Line, or by direct download from the NuGet or IronBarcode websites.
IronBarcode offers a one-time purchase with no ongoing costs. It provides a developer's license for free, and the Lite bundle starts at a competitive price with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Dynamsoft Barcode Reader's pricing is based on either the number of barcodes scanned per year or the number of active browser clients using the barcode scanner feature, with yearly purchase options.
IronBarcode offers additional features for both barcode reading and generation at a lower cost, with a one-time purchase option. It supports all .NET languages and includes functionality for exporting barcodes, while Dynamsoft focuses more on barcode reading with count-based pricing.
The Dynamsoft Barcode Reader SDK can be installed via Visual Studio NuGet Package Manager, Visual Studio Command-Line, or by direct download from the NuGet or Dynamsoft websites.
The Iron Suite includes five software tools: IronBarcode, IronXL, IronOCR, IronPDF, and IronWebScraper. Iron Software is currently offering all five tools for the price of just two.