a2p

a2p [options] [file]

-d
    Turns on debugging output during the translation process.

-F value
    Specifies the input field separator. Equivalent to `awk -F value`. Overrides the default whitespace separator.

-n
    Suppresses the generation of the BEGIN and END blocks, if they are empty.

-p
    Creates a standalone program out of the converted script. Includes the `#!/usr/bin/perl` shebang line.

file
    The awk script file to be translated. If no file is specified, a2p reads from standard input.

The a2p command is a translator that converts awk scripts into Perl programs. It attempts to provide a reasonable translation, often requiring manual adjustments for complex awk scripts.
The resulting Perl code is generally more verbose than the original awk, but often more maintainable and easier to extend. a2p helps with migrating legacy awk code to Perl and allows users familiar with Perl to work with existing awk scripts. The generated Perl script will usually require manual review to ensure correctness and can need further optimization depending on specific requirements.

The generated Perl code might not be a perfect equivalent of the original Awk script, particularly with complex Awk constructs. Manual review and testing are crucial.

a2p my_awk_script.awk > my_perl_script.pl: Converts `my_awk_script.awk` to `my_perl_script.pl`. You should then review `my_perl_script.pl` and test it to ensure correct operation.

a2p was developed to aid in the transition from awk to Perl, offering a way to leverage existing awk scripts within a Perl environment. It predates more sophisticated code transformation tools but remains useful for simple translations. It was commonly used during the rise in popularity of Perl, as Perl offered more features than standard Awk implementations.
Its primary function is to convert the core logic of awk scripts to Perl, allowing for integration of those functionalities with Perl's extensive ecosystem.

awk(1), perl(1)