Codabar is a linear barcode symbology that was developed in 1972 by Pitney Bowes Corp. It is also known by several other names, including Codeabar, Ames Code, NW-7, Monarch, Code 2 of 7, Rationalized Codabar, ANSI/AIM BC3-1995, and USD-4. The design of Codabar allows it to be accurately read even when printed on dot-matrix printers, which was a common requirement for multi-part forms such as FedEx airbills and blood bank forms, where it is still used today.

The Codabar format is composed of 7 elements for each character: 4 bars and 3 spaces, with each element being either narrow or wide. The width ratio between narrow and wide elements can vary between 1:2.25 and 1:3, and the minimum narrow width is typically 0.0065 inches, allowing for 11 digits per inch to be encoded. This symbology encodes a set of characters divided into three groups based on the number of wide elements. The basic symbols include digits 0-9, dash, and dollar sign, encoded using one wide bar and one wide space. Additional characters such as colon, slash, period, and plus are encoded using three wide bars and no wide spaces. There are also four start and stop characters, designated ABCD or EN*T, which are encoded using one wide bar and two wide spaces.

Codabar is self-checking, which means that most standards do not define a check digit. However, some applications that use Codabar may define a check digit, but the algorithm is not universal. For purely numerical data, the Luhn algorithm is a popular choice for a check digit. When all 16 symbols are possible, a simple modulo-16 checksum is used.

This barcode system has a large installed base in libraries due to its ability to hold more information in a smaller space compared to newer symbologies. It's also possible to print Codabar codes using typewriter-like impact printers, which allows for the creation of many codes with consecutive numbers without computer equipment.

In terms of applications, Codabar barcodes are extensively used in the healthcare sector for patient identification, specimen tracking, and medical records. Libraries employ Codabar for tracking books, and blood banks use it for managing blood inventory. In retail, it was initially used for labeling goods and managing inventory due to its simplicity and ease of printing. In logistics, Codabar is used for labeling packages and tracking shipments, ensuring efficient and accurate movement of goods.

Identifying a Codabar barcode is straightforward: look for the distinctive start and stop characters at both ends of the barcode, which are generally represented by the letters A, B, C, and D. The data encoded between these characters is the information the barcode represents. Despite the advent of newer barcode forms that allow a larger amount of information to be contained in a smaller space, Codabar remains relevant in specific industries due to its simplicity and ease of use.

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