Barcode reading is a process that involves scanning a barcode with a scanner to obtain information about the product or item associated with it. The term 'barcode reading' can also refer to the act of interpreting the information obtained from the barcode. Scanning is an important part of the barcode reading process, as it allows the scanner to capture the information encoded in the barcode. Scanning is typically done with a handheld scanner or a stationary scanner. Once the information is captured, it is then interpreted and used to identify the product or item associated with the barcode.