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# Using the Serial Connection

The Serial connection provides a way for you to upload your code to your Arduino as well as see the data coming in from sensors and other input components.

## Setup

### For Uploading to your Arduino

In the Arduino program, set up your serial connection.

Go to Tools > Board > Arduino AVR Boards > Arduino Uno (or whatever you have)

![](/files/-MNbDKdmRpURamSaU218)

![](/files/-MNbDlseEsRneRH1f9xq)

Once you have the Arduino connected via USB, you can find and select the port that is needed under Tools >  Port > COM(whatever number shows the connection)

![](/files/-MNbDlseEsRneRH1f9xq)

## Viewing the Info

In your code, in the setup() function, use Serial.begin() to establish a connection. In the parentheses, put your baud rate (it has something to do with the connection speed). The most common is 9600.

```cpp
void setup() {
    Serial.begin(9600);   // Start Serial connection
}
```

As long as the Arduino is connected via USB you your computer, you can see this info two ways:

### Serial Monitor

This is like a Console that you can print messages to using Serial.print() and Serial.println().

### Serial Plotter

This is a line graph that will interpret numbers in anything printed to the Serial monitor.


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