Softwareserial.h Library May 2026

#include <SoftwareSerial.h> For ESP8266/ESP32, note that they have a different SoftwareSerial implementation (often renamed or not available due to better hardware serial options). Constructor SoftwareSerial mySerial(RX_pin, TX_pin); // Example: RX on pin 10, TX on pin 11 SoftwareSerial gpsSerial(10, 11); Essential Methods | Method | Description | |--------|-------------| | begin(baud) | Initializes the software serial port. | | available() | Returns number of bytes ready to read. | | read() | Reads one byte (-1 if none). | | write(data) | Sends a byte (or string via print() / println() ). | | listen() | Enables this port for reception (if multiple ports exist). | | isListening() | Checks if this port is active. | | overflow() | Returns true if data was lost due to buffer overflow (64-byte buffer). | Simple Example: GPS Module #include <SoftwareSerial.h> SoftwareSerial gps(10, 11); // RX=10, TX=11

void sendString(SoftwareSerial &ss, char *msg) ss.listen(); // Ensure we're not receiving delay(1); // Allow any pending RX to finish ss.print(msg); softwareserial.h library

void loop() if (gps.available()) char c = gps.read(); Serial.print(c); // Echo GPS data to Serial Monitor #include &lt;SoftwareSerial