Code 39 is a variable length symbology that can encode 44 characters. Code 39 is the most popular symbology in the non-retail world and is used extensively in manufacturing, military, and medicine applications.
Valid symbols: |
0123456789 ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ -.$/+% space |
Length: |
Variable |
Check digit: |
No, according to the specification; In practice - one, modulo-43 algorithm |
Each Code 39 bar code has a start/stop character represented by an asterisk (*).The barcode code does not contain the check character but can be added programmatically. Each character starts with a 'dark bar' that consists of 5 dark and 4 blank bars. The ratio between narrow and wide bars may range from 2.2:1 to 3:1.
The Code 39 barcode has low data density. It requires more free space than Code 128, but the Code 39 barcode can be identified by any barcode scanner.
A "Code 39" barcode. "ABC-123" is a number encoded in the barcode.
Code 39 extended is the version of the Code 39 barcode which also supports the ASCII set of characters. The 0-9, A-Z, "." and "-" characters are encoded the same as of the Code 39 barcode.
A "Code 39 extended" barcode. "Abc+" is a number encoded in the barcode.
Note: Barcode scanners cannot differentiate between the Code 39 and Code 39 extended barcodes. It is necessary to select the correct barcode either by setting a property on the scanner or programmatically.