Codabar

Codabar is a self-checking linear barcode symbology developed in 1972, specifically designed for reliable reading with early dot-matrix and impact printers. It encodes numeric digits (0-9) and six special characters (-, $, :, /, ., +) with mandatory start/stop characters (A, B, C, D). The format's robustness and simple implementation made it ideal for specialized applications.

Technical Reliability: Codabar's discrete encoding and wide tolerance for print quality variations make it exceptionally reliable for critical applications. The self-checking nature and mandatory start/stop characters provide built-in error detection, while the simple bar pattern structure ensures readability even with lower-quality printing equipment.

Legacy Applications: While newer symbologies offer higher data density, Codabar remains valuable in specialized environments where simplicity and reliability outweigh data capacity. Its continued use in blood banking and library systems demonstrates the format's enduring value for mission-critical applications requiring absolute accuracy and proven reliability.