Comparison of ZXing QR Code Generator Alternatives to IronQR

Introduction

QR code libraries are advanced features used for encoding and reading QR codes, for example, the use of a webcam in programs to enable easy encoding and reading of data. QR code libraries allow developers to scan QR codes containing information such as URLs, phone numbers, or security tokens. Thus, they are very important in marketing, security, and stock management, particularly when utilizing a QR code scanner . Some of the commonly used QR code libraries include ZXing and IronQR. which are supported by different development platforms with their own set of features.

How to use QR Code in C

1. Install the QRCode package from NuGet.
2. Import the QRCode library.
3. Create or read a QR code with the instance.
4. Define the content to encode for the write instance.
5. Save the QR code image or display the reader data.

What is Zxing?

ZXing library (Zebra Crossing) is among the most widely used open-source libraries for QR code processing that has been widely utilized in web-based barcode processing and as part of a web application for QR code scanning and encoding. as well as QR code scanning and encoding. ZXing is coded primarily in Java but also ported to other programming languages such as C++, C#, and JavaScript to enhance support to make it usable within cross-platform applications.

ZXing decoder is widely utilized in Android applications because it has the ability to offer webcam and camera access from a phone camera to use for live QR code reading on compatible devices such as a smartphone. It scans Data Matrix, QR codes, UPC, and EAN barcodes for product labeling, inventory tracking, and cell phone payments.

Install Visual Studio's Zxing

Zxing needs to be installed with Visual Studio's NuGet Package Manager to implement it in a C# application and make it simple to upload. How to install Zxing is as follows:
Install using the Package Manager Console.
Go to Visual Studio & Tools > Package Manager Console > NuGet Package Manager.
Install the Zxing command by following the steps below:

Install-Package ZXing.Net
Install-Package ZXing.Net.Bindings.Windows.Compatibility

Once the installation is completed, we will be able to import the namespace into the project file.

Read QR code using Zxing

Here is the following example code to read a QR code,

using System;
using System.Drawing;
using System.Drawing.Imaging;
using ZXing;
using ZXing.Common;
// load a bitmap
Bitmap barcodeBitmap;
 barcodeBitmap = (Bitmap)Image.FromFile("qr.png");
if (barcodeBitmap != null)
{
    LuminanceSource source;
    source = new BitmapLuminanceSource(barcodeBitmap);
    BinaryBitmap bitmap = new BinaryBitmap(new HybridBinarizer(source));
    // detect and decode the barcode inside the bitmap
    Result result = new MultiFormatReader().decode(bitmap);
    // do something with the result
    if (result != null)
    {
        Console.WriteLine($"Barcode Format : {result.BarcodeFormat.ToString()} Barcode Text : {result.Text}");

    }
}

This code loads a QR code image into a Bitmap object, then converts it to a LuminanceSource, and finally to a BinaryBitmap. It uses MultiFormatReader, which is part of the core image decoding library, to read and decode a QR code. If successful, the result of the barcode text will be displayed on the console.
Input:
Below is the sample QR code, which we are going to use as an input image.

Output:

IronQR

IronQR is a .NET library developed by Iron Software. It allows developers to create, read, and process QR codes within applications. It offers a simple solution to use the API to make custom QR codes with text, URLs, or hidden data, or read and decode QR codes from images, PDFs, or cameras. IronQR offers various types of QR codes, error levels, and size, color, and logo customization.

Since it offers assistance for simple integration with C#, .NET, and ASP.NET applications, incorporating the feature of QR code capability can be incorporated by developers with ease, without referring to the service of an external application or a third-party service.

Features of IronQR

Below are some of the features of the IronQR.

• IronQR simplifies generating QR codes for text, URL, or embedded content. We can make them bigger in size, customize colors, and add logos or images to develop branded QR codes.
• It supports decoding QR codes from different image formats, PDFs, or a live camera, so it is best suited for live scanning use cases.
• IronQR includes support for different QR code standards and error levels to ensure robust performance even with clipped or physically compromised codes.
• IronQR is optimized for high-performance computing and can effectively generate or read QR codes in bulk, making it most appropriate for business or enterprise applications.
• Optimized and constructed for .NET and C#, IronQR integrates well with Windows, ASP.NET, and cross-platform .NET applications.

Install IronQR

Use the code below on the Package Manager console to install IronQR.

Install-Package IronQR

We can also find the IronQR on the NuGet package manager by searching using the keywords:

Read the QR code using IronQR

The following code shows how we can read the barcode with the help of ironQR.

using IronQr;
using IronSoftware.Drawing;
static void ReadData()
{
    // Open the asset to read a QR Code from
    var inputBmp = AnyBitmap.FromFile("sample.png");

    // Load the asset into QrImageInput
    QrImageInput imageInput = new QrImageInput(inputBmp);

    // Create a QR Reader object
    QrReader reader = new QrReader();

    // Read the Input an get all embedded QR Codes
    IEnumerable<QrResult> results = reader.Read(imageInput);
    foreach (var result in results)
    {
        Console.WriteLine($"Barcode value: {result.Value}");
    }
}

Using the above code can read the given below qr code. First, we are importing the necessary namespace. Then we are initializing the required class, and then we are loading the given image object as QrImageInput. Then, with the help of the QRReader, we are able to read the QR code value from the image. Then we are using the console to display the value read from the QR.

Input:
Below is the input image that we are going to use to read the QR code.

Output:

Technical Showdown Between ZXing and IronQR

Platform and Integration

ZXing is mostly a Java library but has implementations for languages like C#, C++, and Android, making it work on multiple platforms. However, IronQR is natively developed for .NET and has native integration with C#, environment-friendly, providing stronger integration for Microsoft developers.

Features and Functionality

ZXing has good support for many barcode types, such as QR codes, but provides simpler customization for code creation. IronQR is designed for QR code creation and reading with extensive customization possibilities such as color, size, logos, and error correction.

Performance and Reliability

ZXing is effective but will likely need more developer time to fine-tune for enterprise-level workloads. IronQR is designed for high performance in .NET applications and processes images much quicker with enterprise-level features like bulk QR code generation and QR code image scanning.

Comparing Licensing Models

Zxing Licence

ZXing is an open-source library commonly utilized to encode and decode QR codes and barcodes in various formats , such as PNG. It is published under the Apache License 2.0, a permissive and business-oriented open-source license.

The only requirements are to maintain the original copyright and license notice, provide proper attribution, and specify whether changes have been made to the source code.

IronQR Licence

IronQR is a proprietary and commercial .NET library made by Iron Software. The net barcode library is not open-source and needs an active license to use beyond its trial. IronQR can be downloaded and tested by developers free of charge with feature or watermark restrictions, but there is a need for a paid license to run it in production. Iron Software provides several licensing options.

All licenses come with advantages such as frequent updates, priority-level technical support, and rights to use commercially. IronQR does not need attribution but does not allow redistribution of its binaries without an active license.

Conclusion

Both IronQR and ZXing provide solid QR code and barcode features, but serve different needs. ZXing, being an effective barcode scanner and open-source under the Apache 2.0 license, is suitable for developers requiring a free, highly customizable, and community-supported solution, and it is suitable for projects with lower budgets.
On the other hand, IronQR has a commercial library with improved support, timely updates, and expert-level features for a barcode reader appropriate for enterprise environments. Organizations that require reliability, simplicity of integration, and expert support might prefer IronQR. To learn more about IronQR Licensing, and to learn more about their product on Iron Software, check here.