How to run scripts on headless startup?

Question

How can I run a shell script when my Raspberry Pi starts up headless?

I don't want it to be dependent on booting into a console, or logging in, etc. It will literally be plugged into Ethernet and power, nothing else.

I saw this post on RPi SE. The answer was really thorough, but depended on things like logging in, booting to desktop, or booting to console.

How can I run a script on powerup, even if none of these things happen?

Thanks!

evamvid

Strictly speaking, yes. http://unix.stackexchange.com/questions/123491/understanding-a-simple-configuration-file-for-initramfs/123517#123517 http://unix.stackexchange.com/questions/118377/when-does-a-shell-get-executed-during-the-linux-startup-process/118382#118382 — mikeserv, Apr 14 '14 at 01:41
@mikeserv the OP is (probably) using raspbian which (probably) uses sysvinit. — terdon, Apr 14 '14 at 01:49
@terdon I'm actually using Occidentalis (which is based heavily on Raspbian). — evamvid, Apr 14 '14 at 01:50
@terdon if true, then the answer involves simply adding the necessary actions into scripts in /etc/init.d/. Right? — mikeserv, Apr 14 '14 at 01:51
@evamvid that's the kind of thing you should include in the question itself. — terdon, Apr 14 '14 at 01:51

score 7 · Answer 1 · answered Apr 14 '14 at 02:03

You can either add the script to your rc.local file located in /etc/, or create an init script.

One of the easiest ways to create an init script is to use 'pleaserun' . You'll want to use sysv as your platform target. https://github.com/jordansissel/pleaserun

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Apr 14 '14 at 01:57

The option he provides for running a script when you boot to the console will work on a headless installation without requiring a user to log in. It should work with the setup you described.

The other option in a regular Debian install is to edit the /etc/rc.local file, which is run on boot. Creating an init.d script is a cleaner solution, though.

score 1 · Answer 3 · answered Apr 14 '14 at 01:59

1

If you want a script to run upon bootup then just stick the call to this script in the file, /etc/rc.local. This script is run upon your system booting up.

answered Apr 14 '14 at 01:59

slm

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How to run scripts on headless startup?

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