A barcode scanner is a device that reads and interprets the information encoded in a barcode. Barcodes are patterns of lines and spaces that represent data, typically used to identify products in stores. When a scanner reads a barcode, it converts the visual pattern into a digital signal that can be processed by a computer system. These scanners can be handheld or fixed, and they use different technologies, such as laser or CCD (Charge-Coupled Device), to capture the barcode image. Barcode scanners are widely used in retail, inventory management, and logistics to streamline operations and improve accuracy in tracking items.