Barcode scanning is a technology that uses a laser or camera to read the information encoded in a barcode. A barcode is a series of parallel lines and spaces that represent data, such as product details or prices. When scanned, the device interprets the pattern and converts it into readable information for computers or point-of-sale systems. This process is widely used in retail, inventory management, and logistics to streamline operations. By quickly identifying products, barcode scanning helps reduce human error, speeds up checkout times, and improves inventory accuracy, making it an essential tool in modern commerce.