Data input via serial UART

i building small project need test performance under different conditions, want able change integer value in sketch inputting value on laptop connected via uart.
i have written this;

code: [select]

char c;
void setup() {
serial.begin(9600);
}
void loop() {
if (serial.available())
{
  c = serial.read();
}
serial.println(c); //for testing
delay(500);  //for testing
}
which seems work, , holds numbers 1 - 9 ok char, need number integer integrate other calculations.
is there easy way either return integer value instead of char, or, convert char int?

quote

or, convert char int?

code: [select]

int n = c - '0';

for 1 digit numbers, works.

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