libqrencode is a compact C library for converting data into QR code symbols. It is intended for developers who need to add QR code generation to their own applications, although it also includes a command-line tool for creating codes without writing software.
Unlike utilities that concentrate on exporting ready-made images, the library can return the QR symbol as a bitmap array. Applications can use this data to render QR codes through their own interface, display system or printing facilities.
The library implements QR Code Model 2 and supports several encoding modes. It can select an efficient representation for the supplied text and handle messages split across multiple related symbols. Micro QR Code support is also available, although upstream describes that capability as experimental.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Provide a C library for encoding data into QR code symbols.
- Return encoded QR codes as bitmap arrays for use by other applications.
- Support QR Code Model 2 symbols.
- Encode numeric, alphanumeric, byte and Japanese Kanji data.
- Optimise the encoding mode used for suitable input strings.
- Accept a complete string or a collection of data chunks as input.
- Support structured append for messages spread across several QR codes.
- Include experimental support for Micro QR Codes.
- Offer configurable error correction levels.
- Include the qrencode command-line utility for generating QR code images.
- Create QR symbols for use in terminal scripts and automated workflows.
- Provide a library API for controlling symbol generation from C applications.
- Use a compact library design without additional runtime library dependencies.
- Allow the command-line utility to use PNG output through libpng.
- Provide documentation of the library API and encoding facilities.
Website: fukuchi.org/works/qrencode
Support:
Developer: Kentaro Fukuchi
License: GNU Lesser General Public License v2.1
libqrencode is written in C. Learn C with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
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| segno | Python library and CLI tool for generating QR Codes and Micro QR Codes |
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Read our verdict in the software roundup.
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