009 Embedded Linux-ARM. StorageQueries and discussion related to usage of Linux on ARM based devices. Linux has been ported to a variety of CPUs which are not only primarily used as the processor of a desktop or server computer, but also ARM, AVR32, ETRAX CRIS, FR-V, H8300, IP7000, m68k, MIPS, mn10300, SuperH, and Xtensa processors, It is also used as an alternative to using a proprietary operating system and toolchain. » 009.04.Boot Loaders
009.04.91.19. When comparing GRUB2 with other boot loaders, such as SYSLINUX and systemd-boot, what factors would you consider when deciding which boot loader to use for a particular system? How do considerations like target environment, configuration simplicity, and integration with existing systems like systemd influence the decision-making process?
Ref: 09. 009.04.19.Comparison with Other Boot Loaders
The factors that need to be considered when deciding boot loader to be used are:-
System requirement:- System requirements such as whether the system supports BIOS or UEFI, need for multi-boot capabilities, or network boot need to be considered.
Complexity:- GRUB2 is the most complex bootloader in terms of complexity whereas LILO is the least complex in this case.
Maintenance and support:- In terms of ease of support and maintenance, GRUB2 scores high here.
In certain systems, the target environment is not much complex, hence bootloaders like LILO, SYSLINUX and systemd-init can also work there, but, when complexity increases, GRUB2 is the rescue. systemd-init functions best with the systems which already leverage systemd.