Simple Read

Read data from the serial port and turn ON the onboard LED if the character received is an 'a'

int val;          // to read the char
int ledPin = 48;  // onboard led pin

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  if(Serial.available()) {         // if data available
    val = Serial.read();           // read data
    if(val == 'a') {               // if value read is character 'a'
      digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH);  // turn ON the onboard LED
    } else {
      digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);   // if not turn it OFF
    }
  }
  delay(100);  // wait 100ms for next read
}