Few objects in the world are more immediately recognizable than the barcode—more than 6 billion are scanned every single day. Here’s what to know about their history.

The first modern barcode was scanned 50 years ago this summer—on a 10-pack of chewing gum in a grocery store in Troy, Ohio. Fifty is ancient for most technologies, but barcodes are still going ...

Published: July 25, 2024 8:08am EDT The barcode of the author’s 2023 book, ‘Barcode,’ tattooed on his arm. Stevie Edwards ...