How to use the command 'dropbearconvert' (with examples)

The ‘dropbearconvert’ command is used to convert between Dropbear and OpenSSH private key formats. It allows users to convert the private key format from one to another, depending on their needs.

Use case 1: Convert an OpenSSH private key to the Dropbear format

Code:

dropbearconvert openssh dropbear path/to/input_key path/to/output_key

Motivation: Converting an OpenSSH private key to the Dropbear format can be useful when transferring the key to a system that only supports the Dropbear format. By converting the key format, the user can ensure compatibility and continue to use their private key for authentication.

Explanation:

• openssh - Specifies the source format of the private key, which is OpenSSH in this case.
• dropbear - Specifies the desired output format of the private key, which is Dropbear in this case.
• path/to/input_key - Specifies the path to the input private key file that needs to be converted.
• path/to/output_key - Specifies the path to the output file where the converted private key will be saved.

Example output: Upon successful execution, the command will convert the OpenSSH private key to the Dropbear format and save it in the specified output file path.

Use case 2: Convert a Dropbear private key to the OpenSSH format

Code:

dropbearconvert dropbear openssh path/to/input_key path/to/output_key

Motivation: Converting a Dropbear private key to the OpenSSH format can be useful when needing to use the key with systems that are only compatible with OpenSSH format. By converting the key format, the user can ensure seamless authentication with OpenSSH-based systems.

Explanation:

• dropbear - Specifies the source format of the private key, which is Dropbear in this case.
• openssh - Specifies the desired output format of the private key, which is OpenSSH in this case.
• path/to/input_key - Specifies the path to the input private key file that needs to be converted.
• path/to/output_key - Specifies the path to the output file where the converted private key will be saved.

Example output: Upon successful execution, the command will convert the Dropbear private key to the OpenSSH format and save it in the specified output file path.

Conclusion:

The ‘dropbearconvert’ command provides a simple and convenient way to convert private key formats between Dropbear and OpenSSH. This flexibility allows users to use their private keys with different systems and ensures compatibility with various authentication methods.