A barcode label is a printed piece of paper, adhesive sticker, or tag that contains a pattern of parallel lines, numbers, and sometimes other symbols, used to uniquely identify a product, item, or entity. Barcodes are a form of automatic identification technology that allows for quick and accurate data capture using barcode scanners or readers.

The pattern of lines in a barcode represents encoded information, typically in the form of a series of numbers or alphanumeric characters. When a barcode is scanned by a barcode scanner , the scanner reads the pattern of lines and decodes the information, which could include details such as product names, prices, stock numbers, and more.