Linux as OS for devices ?

[CogitoErgoSum]

N00b question !

Consider a petrol pump where petrol is issued (output) based on liters required (input). Can such a device be controlled by Linux ? How does one go about designing software for such devices ?

[id10t]

Sure can. Linux is in all sorts of embedded environments. You may want to google for "real time OS" and "embedded linux"

[sjau]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Linux_devices

[CogitoErgoSum]

Thank you !

[btomasik]

Check out uCLinux and what it's used for. But in reality, something that particularly simple could be done with a simple logic circuit

EDIT: With the addition of the proper sensing array !