Not exactly a programming question, but close. I’ll try my luck anyway.
The keyboard wedge
barcode scanner inserts the
translation device between the reader
and the keyboard. Data sent through a
wedge appears as if it was typed into
the computer, while the keyboard
itself remains fully functional.
Because a computer using a keyboard
wedge can’t tell the difference
between data that is entered by a
scanning device, or data that is
entered by keyboard typing, a wedge
can be used to easily add barcode
reading capability to an existing
computer without modifying software
applications.
I’d like to know if all USB interface barcode scanners automatically translate digital signals from a barcode reader into keyboard strokes for a applications just like wedge or is USB different from wedge?
Many thanks
There are all sorts of API to access barcode scanners — by no means do they all work by making believe they’re "the keyboard"!-) For example, here you can find a reasonable summary of possibilities (the classic rs232 approach, the "wedge" one, and USB-interface ones) albeit for a single firm producing them. Depending on what programming you’re willing and able to do, your best choice might be any of these approaches, or others yet.