Program to use barcode input

I am trying to write a program to capture and use input from a barcode scanner. The barcode scanner is interpreted as a second keyboard when plugged into a computer (vis USB). I am trying to write a program that will capture all of the input from the barcode scanner (2nd keyboard) but none from the main keyboard. The problem is I don't really know where to start. I am using linux (ubuntu) and I've tried catching the input from /dev/input/by-id/barcode_reader and from /dev/input/input17 but it doesn't seem to work. Can anyone give me some advice on what to read to learn more about this?

Is your reader output data format for a keyboard wedge or a serial interface?

Unless you are doing a school project or something similar, why not use any of the free or low cost wedge/serial barcode software that is available.

Mostly because I wanted to try writing it myself so that I get a better understanding of the way the operating system deals with input devices. But also because I want to be able to write my own software for this purpose.

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Originally Posted by qwe

Mostly because I wanted to try writing it myself so that I get a better understanding of the way the operating system deals with input devices. But also because I want to be able to write my own software for this purpose.

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The really simple method is to not worry about the device. The way I do this is to parse the input string - all UPC barcodes must start with a * - if the first character is something different, I discard the string.