Serial Port
A serial port is a hardware interface that enables serial communication between a computer and peripheral devices, such as modems, printers, or microcontrollers, by transmitting data one bit at a time over a single wire or channel. It is commonly used for low-speed, long-distance data transfer and device control in embedded systems, industrial automation, and legacy computing. Modern implementations often use USB-to-serial adapters or virtual serial ports to emulate this functionality on contemporary hardware.
Developers should learn about serial ports when working with embedded systems, IoT devices, robotics, or industrial equipment that require direct hardware communication, as it provides a simple, reliable method for debugging, configuration, and data exchange. It is essential for tasks like programming microcontrollers (e.g., Arduino), interfacing with sensors, or managing legacy systems in manufacturing or telecommunications, where real-time control and low-level access are critical.