Code 128 is a high-density linear barcode symbology that is capable of encoding all 128 ASCII characters, ranging from ASCII 0 to ASCII 128. This includes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and various symbols and control codes. It is designed with three different character sets, A, B, and C, which allows for efficient encoding of data. Set A includes all standard upper case alphanumeric characters and control characters, Set B includes all standard upper and lower case alphanumeric characters, and Set C is used for double-density numeric data.

The structure of a Code 128 barcode is composed of a start code, which determines the character set that will be used, followed by the data itself, and ending with a checksum digit and a stop code. The checksum is calculated using a weighted sum algorithm, known as Modulo 103, which ensures the accuracy of the data encoded in the barcode.

Code 128 is versatile and can encode various types of data. For instance, it can be used to encode product information for supply chain management, serial numbers, date of manufacture, and other pertinent details. It's also used in the shipping and packaging industry for labeling and tracking purposes. The GS1-128 variant of Code 128 is specifically used to encode data that requires Application Identifiers (AIs), which define the meaning and format of the data contained within the barcode.

Due to its ability to encode a wide range of information and its compact size, Code 128 is widely used in various industries, making it one of the most popular barcode symbologies in use today. Its design allows for high data density, which means more information can be stored in a smaller space, making it ideal for labels where space is limited. Additionally, Code 128 barcodes are easily read by most barcode scanners, which makes them highly reliable and efficient for quick data retrieval in fast-paced environments.

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