Code 128

Code 128 is a bar code format which has been standardized as ISO/IEC 15417, and which is capable of encoding the 128-character ASCII repertoire, or can use an extension character to denote a wider repertoire of characters. Sometimes, however, it is just used for numeric data.

Among its users is the coin grader NGC, which includes bar codes of this sort in its encapsulated containers for graded coins.

A subset, GS1-128, is used widely in the shipping industry and was formerly designated as ISO/IEC 15417:2007. This standard uses the coding scheme of Code 128 with specific codes denoting functional elements for particular applications.

Developer libraries

 * ZBar bar code reader library: cross-platform
 * zxing (Zebra Crossing) (barcode library for Java, ported to some other systems)