Code 39 is one of the most widely and commonly used barcode type. It is a linear or 1d barcode and is also known as USS code 39, code 3 of 9, Alpha 39, USD-3, and Type 39. Code 39 is capable of encoding all the alphanumeric characters (26 Alphabets and 10 numeric characters ranging from 0 to 9). It can also encode space and six special characters including dollar sign ($), Period (.), minus (-), percent (%), slash (/), plus (+). Asterisk (*) can also be used but only at the start or end of the code.
History
Code 39 was initially designed by two researchers from Intermec, named Ray Stevens and Dr.David Allais in the year 1974. Initial code 39 was created with two wide black bars and a wide space which could encode 40 characters excluding the first or last symbol resulting in 39 total characters. It is for this reason that this barcode is called code 39. The latest code 39 contains 9 bars in total with three wide and six narrow bars.
Purposes
Code 39 has been recognized by ANSI (American National Standards institute) as MH10.8M-1983. It is general purpose and most widely used barcode type. Its basic purpose is to encode small information containing alphabets as well as numeric characters in linear pattern of bars and spaces.
Advantages
· Wide use of this barcode type makes it portable. This barcode can be encoded and decoded by almost every barcode encoding/decoding equipment.
· Code 39 can encode all 26 Alphabets of the English language and the numerals which was not possible with the previous barcodes.
· It is much more secure and is not prone to faulty encoding and decoding.
Limitations
· It is not suitable for items which require large amount of information to be encoded. In that case, length of the code 39 barcode becomes too large which is not appropriate for encoding as well as decoding.
· Code 39 barcode can be easily damaged and distorted like any linear barcode.
Usage
· Code 39 is commonly used in store items, inventories, badges and similar everyday items.
· It is widely used in health sector and medical equipment.
· Used by the US Defense department (LOGMARS) for the military equipment.
· Used in airline and aviation industry on air plane parts.
Conclusion
Code 39 barcode should be used when small amount of information.