QR codes are like barcodes on steroids, allowing access to a range of data by scanning with devices like smartphones.
A single QR code can store up to 7,089 digits or 4,296 alphanumeric characters, providing versatility in encoding different types of data.
QR codes were invented by Denso Wave in the mid-1990s to track vehicles and parts for Honda, later open-sourced in 1999 for broader adoption.
In recent years, QR codes have seen a significant surge in popularity, especially in 2020, due to their use in contact tracing, digital payments, and touchless interactions.