Convert serial.read() into a useable string using Arduino?

Question

I\'m using two Arduinos to sent plain text strings to each other using newsoftserial and an RF transceiver.

Each string is perhaps 20-30 characters in length. How do

Answer 1

Credit for this goes to magma. Great answer, but here it is using c++ style strings instead of c style strings. Some users may find that easier.

String string = "";
char ch; // Where to store the character read

void setup() {
    Serial.begin(9600);
    Serial.write("Power On");
}

boolean Comp(String par) {
    while (Serial.available() > 0) // Don't read unless
                                   // there you know there is data
    {
        ch = Serial.read(); // Read a character
        string += ch; // Add it
    }

    if (par == string) {
        string = "";
        return(true);
    }
    else {
        //dont reset string
        return(false);
    }
}

void loop()
{
    if (Comp("m1 on")) {
        Serial.write("Motor 1 -> Online\n");
    }
    if (Comp("m1 off")) {
        Serial.write("Motor 1 -> Offline\n");
    }
}