Serial communications with standalone Atmega 328 micro-controller and esp8266

Using Arduino Project Guidance
1

Hello,

Is it possible to serial read a standalone Atmega328 chip given in the image below.
And can an esp8266 be connected to this chip directly?

ArduinoUSBSerial.png

2

Why have you removed the 328 from the Uno? Wouldn't it be much simpler to leave it in?

For receiving data on the Atmega 328 (in the Uno or out of it) have a look at the examples in Serial Input Basics - simple reliable ways to receive data.

It will probably be simplest to use Software Serial (or AltSoftSerial or NeoSWSerial) for communication with the ESP8266

...R