UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

Is it possible to use Perl to work with hardware? Or is it strictly for text processing.

Depends on how and what type of Proggram or code you want to write. Here is a little definition on what perl can do and capabale of:

Perl works with existing C libraries
- Through either the XS or SWIG interfaces, Perl programs can use your legacy C libraries.

Perl handles memory management internally
- Perl handles memory management so that programmers don't have to spend time creating memory management bugs which are the most frequent source of security holes.

If you would like something that control H/Ware basically you may try to write codes on Assembly Language. Python can do the trick too. All Depends on your needs.