In computing, a serial port is a serial communication interface through which information transfers in or out sequentially one bit at a time. This is in contrast to a parallel port, which communicates multiple bits simultaneously in parallel.

What is serial port used for?

A socket that connects to a serial interface (one bit following another over one line). Serial ports are widely used by sensors for data acquisition, and they were standard on early computers for connecting a modem, mouse and other peripherals. Old Macs used the serial port for printers.

What is a serial port and examples?

An asynchronous port on the computer used to connect a serial device to the computer and capable of transmitting one bit at a time. Serial ports are usually identified on IBM compatible computers as COM (communications) ports. For example, a mouse might connect to COM1 and a modem to COM2.