How to Use 2D Barcode in VB .NET

How to Use 2D Barcode in VB .NET

1. Create a new VB .NET project.
2. Import IronBarCode net barcode generator DLL.
3. Create an instance of the BarcodeReader and set the Image Path.
4. Examine data obtained from barcodes or generate barcodes based on the given data.
5. Print Information about barcode info/ new barcode images.

What are 2D Barcodes?

Due to its ability to hold data in two dimensions, 2D barcodes—also referred to as matrix barcodes—can encode a far larger amount of data than conventional linear barcodes. Two-dimensional barcodes are made up of a grid of squares, dots, or other geometric patterns as opposed to linear barcodes, which are made up of a single row of bars and spaces.

Compared to their linear predecessors, 2D barcodes have the following benefits:

• High Data Capacity: 2D barcodes are perfect for applications that need to store a lot of data since they can encode a lot of data, including text, numbers, URLs, and binary data.
• Error Correction: A lot of 2D barcode systems include error correction built in, so even if a portion of the code is broken or hidden, it can still be read.
• Small Size: 2D barcodes are small enough to fit on a variety of surfaces, such as labels, identification cards, and product packaging, even though they may hold a large quantity of data.
• Enhanced Security: To further protect sensitive data, several 2D barcode formats include support for digital signatures and encryption.
• Popular 2D barcode formats with distinct features include PDF417, Data Matrix, QR codes, and Aztec codes.

IronBarcode

A robust .NET barcode library called IronBarcode makes it easier to create and decode 2D barcodes for use in VB.NET applications. IronBarcode offers thorough support for a wide range of 2D barcode formats, whether you need to produce QR codes for marketing campaigns, encode product information in Data Matrix barcodes, or print PDF417 barcodes for document archiving.

When working with 2D barcodes, IronBarcode's key capabilities include:

• Broad Format Support: IronBarcode is compatible with a wide range of 2D barcode formats, including Data Matrix barcode, PDF417, QR codes, Aztec codes, and more, guaranteeing conformance with industry standards and a variety of use cases.
• Adaptable Encoding Options: IronBarcode gives developers complete control over the encoding procedure, enabling them to tailor the produced barcodes' content, size, error correction level, and other characteristics to their own needs.
• High-quality Rendering: IronBarcode produces barcode pictures that are sharp, aligned precisely, and have crisp borders for maximum reading by barcode scanners and imaging devices.
• Error Correction: Certain 2D barcode formats that IronBarcode supports include error correction built-in, making it possible for the barcodes to read even under unfavorable circumstances such as partial damage or distortion.

To learn more about the IronBarcode refer here.

Creating a New Project in Visual Studio

With Visual Studio open, choose "New Project" from the file menu, followed by "Console App," .NET Windows Forms project," or "WPF Application." In this post, we'll be using the Visual Basic Console App. Barcodes have several uses in many contexts. Software such as Webform/MVC/MVC Core is an additional choice.

In the associated text box, type the project name and choose the file location. Click "Next" to choose.

Make the necessary option after that. We are selecting a lesson's net structure. After choosing .NET 6.0, you should click "Create" to begin the project.

If you choose to build a console application, the project will now construct the required framework and open the program.cs file so you may add code and run the application.
For the solution to use the IronBarcode library, the required package must be downloaded. To accomplish this via the Package Manager console, use the following command:

Install-Package BarCode

Comparable to the image below:

Other ways include searching for and downloading the "Barcode" package (which displays all search results) using the NuGet Package Manager. You may then choose which of their programs to download and install on the software after that.

2D Barcodes in VB.NET with IronBarcode

Let's now investigate how to use IronBarcode in a VB.NET program to create and decode 2D barcodes.

Imports IronBarCode

Module Program
    Sub Main()
        ' Create a QR code with the desired content
        Dim qrCode = BarcodeWriter.CreateBarcode("https://ironsoftware.com/csharp/barcode/", BarcodeWriterEncoding.QRCode)

        ' Save the generated QR code as an image file
        qrCode.SaveAsImage("Demo.png")
    End Sub
End Module

Imports IronBarCode

Module Program
    Sub Main()
        ' Create a QR code with the desired content
        Dim qrCode = BarcodeWriter.CreateBarcode("https://ironsoftware.com/csharp/barcode/", BarcodeWriterEncoding.QRCode)

        ' Save the generated QR code as an image file
        qrCode.SaveAsImage("Demo.png")
    End Sub
End Module

Imports IronBarCode

Module Program
    Sub Main()
        Dim imagePath As String = "Demo.png"

        ' Read barcodes from the image file
        Dim result = BarcodeReader.Read(imagePath)

        ' Check if any barcode was detected
        If result IsNot Nothing AndAlso result.Count > 0 Then
            ' Iterate over detected barcodes
            For Each barcode In result
                ' Print barcode type and value
                Console.WriteLine($"Barcode Type: {barcode.BarcodeType}")
                Console.WriteLine($"Barcode Value: {barcode.Value}")
            Next
        Else
            Console.WriteLine("No barcode found in the image.")
        End If
    End Sub
End Module

Imports IronBarCode

Module Program
    Sub Main()
        Dim imagePath As String = "Demo.png"

        ' Read barcodes from the image file
        Dim result = BarcodeReader.Read(imagePath)

        ' Check if any barcode was detected
        If result IsNot Nothing AndAlso result.Count > 0 Then
            ' Iterate over detected barcodes
            For Each barcode In result
                ' Print barcode type and value
                Console.WriteLine($"Barcode Type: {barcode.BarcodeType}")
                Console.WriteLine($"Barcode Value: {barcode.Value}")
            Next
        Else
            Console.WriteLine("No barcode found in the image.")
        End If
    End Sub
End Module

Conclusion

In summary, 2D barcodes are an effective and adaptable method for compact encoding and decoding vast quantities of data. Using IronBarcode's 2D barcode capabilities in VB.NET applications enables developers to increase productivity, simplify data administration, and enhance user experience in a variety of use cases and industries.

IronBarcode offers the necessary tools and capabilities to fully realize the promise of 2D barcodes in VB.NET applications, whether it's for creating QR codes for marketing campaigns, encoding product information for inventory management, or decoding Data Matrix barcodes for document storage. Developers can effortlessly and confidently fulfill the needs of contemporary data-driven settings by utilizing IronBarcode to enable 2D barcodes in their apps, enabling them to reach new levels of functionality and sophistication.

To know more about IronBarcode's barcoding features, please visit their documentation license for developers. The Lite edition costs $799 and includes free upgrades and support for a full year. Please visit this website to learn more about other Iron Software products.