Reader.DataSymbol.com is a cloud-based barcode decoding service designed to streamline the extraction of barcode data from various document formats through a secure, simple API.

Workflow and Functionality

1. Upload Your File
   You submit a document containing a barcode—such as PDF, JPEG, PNG, BMP, TIFF, GIF, and many more—to the service. The upload is secured via SSL, ensuring protection during transmission.
2. Secure Processing and Storage
   Once uploaded, the server processes the document to detect barcodes. After processing, the original document is automatically and immediately deleted. Found barcodes are logged into a temporary database.
3. Retrieve Results via API
   Clients can then query the service for results in either XML or JSON format. Requests can also specify immediate deletion of results from the database once retrieved.
4. Deferred Processing & Queues
   Unlike synchronous services, Reader.DataSymbol.com uses a queued, deferred workflow. This means that large or multi-page documents can be uploaded and processed in the background without needing to keep your application waiting for results.
5. Stored Temporarily
   Processed results are stored in the database for up to three days before automatic deletion. Clients can also choose to delete results immediately after retrieval.

Input Compatibility

• Supported File Formats
  The service supports a wide array of image and document types, including but not limited to: AI, BMP, CDR, EMF, GIF, JPG, ODG, PCX, PNG, PSD, SVG, TGA, TIFF, CR2, CRW, DCR, DJVU, ICO, JPEG, NRW, PBM, PDF, PGM, PNM, PPM, RAW, WMF, XPS, YUV.
• Supported Barcode Types
  It can decode both 1D and 2D barcodes:

Linear (1D): Interleaved 2/5, Industrial 2/5, SSCC-18, EAN-14, Code 39 (incl. Extended), Code 128 (incl. Extended), UCC/EAN 128, Code 11, Codabar, EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A, UPC-E, multiple DataBar variants (Omnidirectional, Truncated, Stacked, Expanded, etc.).
2D: PDF417 (including Micro/Compact), QR Code (including Micro), DataMatrix, AztecCode.

API Integration: Examples & Capabilities

The API is straightforward and well-documented:

1. Obtain an API Key
   Registration is required to receive your unique key.
2. Start a Job
   Send a multipart/form-data POST request to /api/job, including your API key, the file to decode, output format (JSON or XML), number of barcodes, and desired barcode types.
3. Check Job Status & Retrieve Results
   Poll the job endpoint using the returned job ID. When completed (error code = 0), your result will include decoded barcodes, coordinates, and metadata like cost, timestamps, etc.

Best of all, you can request optional immediate deletion of results to maintain data privacy.

 Key Benefits

• Versatile Format Support: Handles a wide array of input file and barcode types.
• Secure and Private: SSL encrypted uploads, with documents deleted upon processing.
• Efficient for Large Files: Deferred processing allows large or multi-page uploads without blocking.
• Flexible Retrieval: Results in XML/JSON with optional immediate deletion.
• Scalable Plans: Options that fit everything from occasional testers to enterprise-level usage.

Reader.DataSymbol.com stands out as a robust, secure, and developer-friendly online framework for barcode decoding. The deferred-job mechanism suits applications needing batch or asynchronous processing, while the varied API support and generous format compatibility make it a versatile tool for modern workflows.