---
title: Getting Started
slug: docs.inliteresearch.com
docTags: 
createdAt: 2023-03-08T01:33:51.000Z
---

Review [Inlite Barcode Reader License Agreement](https://barcode-reader.inliteresearch.com/bcreader-license-agreement) and [Privacy Policy](https://barcode-reader.inliteresearch.com/bcreader-privacy-policy) before using Inlite Barcode Readers.

## Select Inlite Barcode Reader product

Inlite Barcode Reader comprises two products: **ClearImage SDK** and **Barcode Reader CLI**.  The main difference between these products is how the barcode reading is invoked and how the results of the barcode reading are obtained. 

At the core of both products is **the ClearImage engine, ** powering thousands of production installations worldwide for over 20 years. 

- Both products read the most popular 1D barcodes (**Code 39**, **Code 128**, etc.),  2D barcodes (**PDF417**, **DataMatrix**, **QR**), and **Driver's License** Barcodes.
- Both products support all the most popular image formats, including **PDF**, **TIFF**, **JPEG**, PNG, and BMP.

### ClearImage SDK 

In the ClearImage SDK call to the programming API invokes barcode reading.  Results are also obtained through API as well.  

Notable features of the ClearImage SDK:

- Barcode recognition is an integral part of your application.
- Process any image from any source, including streams
- API choices include .NET (.Net standard 2.0), COM, DLL, and Java. 
- Code examples are provided in C#, C++, PHP, and Java.
- Includes [image processing](docId:9EkqOLOijgzkehv-BjoB6) functions used to improve image visual quality, improve OCR and reduce image size.

To start using the ClearImage SDK, visit this [page](docId:-3bcYSQ9cR8bXtSQ8T_Pf).

### Barcode Reader CLI

The Barcode Reader CLI command-line application allows the use of any programming language to initiate the barcode reading through a subprocess  (spawning the process). Barcode reading results are obtained from the interception of console output or a designated output file. In addition, the Barcode Reader CLI can be invoked from batch files or shell scripts.

Notable features of the Barcode Reader CLI:

- Process multiple files and folders in a single invocation
- Process images located on the Web without extra code development
- Code examples are available in Node.js, Java, PHP, Python, C++, C#, Ruby, and Go
- Optimized to minimize startup time
- Available for both Windows and Linux

To start using the Barcode Reader CLI, visit this [page](docId\:VDGqqIYlnl7FufFUg2Kzg).

### Summary of differences

|                      | **ClearImage SDK**                        | **Barcode Reader CLI**                        |
| -------------------- | ----------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------- |
| **Type**             | Software Development Kit                  | Application                                   |
| **Operating System** | Windows                                   | Windows, Linux                                |
| **Invocation**       | .NET, Java, COM, or DLL APIs              | Shell script or Spawning the process          |
| **Output**           | Text, Binary data, properties through API | JSON, Text, Binary to console or output files |
| **Code Examples**    | C#, C++, Java, PHP                        | C#, C++, GO, Java, NodeJS, PHP, Python, Ruby  |

Do not hesitate to contact **sales\@inliteresearch.com** if you have any questions.