Serial communication is a method of transmitting data one bit at a time over a single channel or wire. This technique is commonly used in computer systems and devices to send information between components, such as a computer and a printer. It is efficient for long-distance communication and requires fewer wires compared to parallel communication, which sends multiple bits simultaneously. In serial communication, data is typically sent in a specific format, including start bits, data bits, and stop bits. Common protocols for serial communication include RS-232 and USB. These protocols define how data is structured and transmitted, ensuring that devices can understand and process the information correctly.