grub-syslinux2cfg

grub-syslinux2cfg [OPTION...] [SYSCONFIG]

--output=FILE, -o FILE
    Write the generated GRUB configuration to FILE instead of standard output.

--prefix=DIR, -p DIR
    Set the GRUB prefix directory for the generated configuration.

--root=DIR, -r DIR
    Set the root directory for the generated configuration.

--verbose, -v
    Print verbose messages during the conversion process.

--debug
    Print detailed debug messages, useful for troubleshooting.

--version
    Display version information and exit.

--help
    Display a help message and exit.

SYSCONFIG
    The path to the Syslinux configuration file to convert. If omitted, the command reads from standard input.

grub-syslinux2cfg is a utility designed to convert a Syslinux configuration file into a GRUB configuration file. This tool is particularly useful for users migrating from a Syslinux-based bootloader setup to GRUB, or for environments where dual-booting with previously Syslinux-configured systems is required. It parses Syslinux entries, such as those defined by LABEL and MENU LABEL, and attempts to translate them into equivalent GRUB menu entries. While it aims to facilitate the transition, users should be aware that it is an experimental command and may not support the full spectrum of Syslinux features or configurations. The converted output is typically sent to standard output unless an output file is specified.

This command is highly experimental and does not support all features of Syslinux. It should be used with caution, and the generated GRUB configuration should be reviewed and tested thoroughly before deployment.

To convert a Syslinux configuration file named syslinux.cfg and save the output to grub.cfg, you would use:
grub-syslinux2cfg syslinux.cfg -o grub.cfg
This command can also be piped input, for example:
cat syslinux.cfg | grub-syslinux2cfg -o grub.cfg

grub-syslinux2cfg emerged as part of the GRUB project to assist in the migration and interoperability between different bootloader systems. Its inclusion reflects the GRUB developers' effort to provide tools for transitioning from other bootloaders, such as Syslinux, which was historically popular for its simplicity and use on various media (like floppy disks and older USB drives). Given the complexity of bootloader configurations, this command serves as a utility for automated conversion, though its experimental status highlights the ongoing challenges in translating diverse boot configurations perfectly.

grub-mkconfig(8), grub-install(8)