A barcode reader or scanner, also known as a point of sale (POS) scanner is a hardware device capable of reading a barcode and printing out the details of the product or logging that product into a database. A perfect example of a barcode reader is a super market barcode scanner that reads and logs the price of a product. In the picture is an example of a Barcode reader from HP.
Today, many smartphones with the proper apps are also capable of scanning and reading barcodes.