Create Dynamic QR Code in Python- A Simple Guide

testv September 17, 2024

0 10 2 minutes read

This tutorial guides you on how to create dynamic QR codes in Python. It involves a bit more than just generating the QR code itself. Before reading this, you must know how a QR code generator works.

Steps to Create Dynamic QR Codes

Dynamic QR codes require the ability to track and update the information behind the QR code after it’s been generated. Here’s a basic approach:

Set up a Server or URL Redirection

Dynamic QR codes work by using a short URL (like a redirect link) encoded in the QR code. This short URL directs users to a server where you can update or change the target link.

You need a server (or use a URL shortener service like Bitly) that allows you to change where the short URL points.

Create the Backend Logic (Optional)

If you’re setting this up on your server, you can write some simple backend code in Python, Node.js, PHP, etc., to handle URL redirection dynamically. For example, here’s a simple Python example using Flask to redirect dynamically:

from flask import Flask, redirect, url_forapp = Flask(__name__)
# A dictionary to store the redirect URL
dynamic_url = {"url": "https://example.com"}
@app.route('/')
def dynamic_redirect():
return redirect(dynamic_url["url"])
# Route to update the URL (you can call this via an API or manually)
@app.route('/update_url/<new_url>')
def update_url(new_url):
dynamic_url["url"] = new_url
return f"URL updated to {new_url}"
if __name__ == '__main__':
app.run(debug=True)

This code serves as a QR code that will always redirect to the URL stored in the dynamic_url dictionary.
You can update the destination URL by hitting /update_url/<new_url>.

Generate Dynamic QR Code

Once the redirect logic is set, the next step is to generate a QR code pointing to your dynamic URL. You can use libraries like qrcode in Python to create the code.

Here’s how you can generate a QR code using Python:

import qrcode# URL that the dynamic QR code will point to (e.g., the URL of your Flask app or a URL shortener)
dynamic_url = "http://your-server-address-or-short-url.com"
# Generate QR code
qr = qrcode.QRCode(
version=1,
error_correction=qrcode.constants.ERROR_CORRECT_L,
box_size=10,
border=4,
)
qr.add_data(dynamic_url)
qr.make(fit=True)
# Create the image of the QR code
img = qr.make_image(fill='black', back_color='white')
# Save the image
img.save("dynamic_qr_code.png")

Replace dynamic_url with the actual short URL that will point to your backend server or redirection service.
You can save the QR code as an image and use it wherever needed.

Update the Target URL

With dynamic QR codes, you don’t need to regenerate the QR code when you change the destination. Instead, you just update the destination URL on your server (or through a URL shortener dashboard), and users who scan the code will be directed to the updated URL.

Summary

In summary, the general approach is to create a dynamic QR code is as follows:

1. Create a server or use a URL shortener to handle redirection.
2. Generate a QR code that points to the redirect URL.
3. Update the target destination by changing the URL behind the redirect, as needed.

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Happy Coding,
TechBeamers