Some of the coolest hacks that are available on the Raspberry Pi Zero are to do with getting it to work with other computers using a single USB cable. In this recipe, we will create a "virtual" serial adapter, so instead of connecting with a specialized USB-to-serial adapter/cable, we can create the same connection using a standard regular-to-micro USB cable. I can carry around the Pi Zero and a cable in my backpack, and any time I need a Linux terminal, I just need a machine with a keyboard and a screen to plug into.
All you need to do to be set up here is perform the USB OTG previous functions recipe. After making the change, you can connect your Pi to any computer from the micro-USB connection. For most desktops, you won't even need additional power to run the Pi; it will all work over the one connection.