Get Port List

The matlab serial object can be used to connect to external devices that use serial communication, such as microcontrollers, GPS receivers, heartrate monitors, etc. In order to use a serial object, you need to know the serial port name.
GET_PORT_LIST returns a list of serial port names which are suitable for connections with serial port objects. The function is cross-platform (OS X, Linux, Windows) and does not require any Matlab toolboxes.
Example: (on OS X)

devices = get_port_list;
disp(devices)
'A700elGZ' '/dev/tty.usbserial-A700elGZ'
'PXFARNQU' '/dev/tty.usbserial-PXFARNQU'
Example: (on Windows)

devices = get_port_list;
disp(devices)
'6' 'COM6'
'1' 'COM1'
device_connection = serial(devices{1,2});
fopen(device_connection);
% send/receive data, etc
fclose(device_connection);