Serial.read()

Description

Reads incoming serial data.

Serial.read() inherits from the Stream utility class.

Syntax

Serial.read()

Parameter Values

  • Serial: serial port object. See the list of available serial ports for each board on the Serial main page.

Return Values

  • The first byte of incoming serial data available (or -1 if no data is available). Data type: int.

Example Code

int incomingByte = 0; // for incoming serial data void setup() { Serial.begin(9600); // opens serial port, sets data rate to 9600 bps } void loop() { // check if data is available if (Serial.available() > 0) { // read the incoming byte: incomingByte = Serial.read(); // prints the received data Serial.print("I received: "); Serial.println((char)incomingByte); } }
  • Type "HELLO" on Serial Monitor and click Send button:
COM6
Send
Autoscroll Show timestamp
Clear output
9600 baud  
Newline  
  • The result on Serial Monitor:
COM6
Send
I received: H I received: E I received: L I received: L I received: O I received:
Autoscroll Show timestamp
Clear output
9600 baud  
Newline  

※ NOTES AND WARNINGS:

Serial functions are not only used for the communication between an Arduino board and Serial Monitor of Arduino IDE but also used for the communication between:

  • An Arduino board and other Arduino board
  • An Arduino board and other sensors/devices
  • An Arduino board and computer (any Serial software on computer)* An Arduino board and other Arduino board
  • An Arduino board and other sensors/devices
  • An Arduino board and computer (any Serial software on computer)

See Also

ARDUINO BUY RECOMMENDATION

Arduino UNO R3
Arduino Starter Kit
Please note: These are Amazon affiliate links. If you buy the components through these links, We will get a commission at no extra cost to you. We appreciate it.

※ OUR MESSAGES