ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Barcode system

A barcode system is like a secret code that helps us identify things like food, toys, and books.

Have you ever seen those black and white lines on items you buy from the supermarket? That's a barcode!

These lines are actually different thicknesses and spaces that represent numbers and letters in a special language that machines can read.

When the barcode is scanned by a machine at the checkout, it tells the computer what the item is and how much it costs. This helps speed up the checkout process and reduces mistakes.

So the next time you go shopping with your parents, watch out for those funny lines on the items and know that they're there to help make life a little easier!