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How to run a Python .py script on boot-up?

swankybarbecue4

I have a pi zero. I have a stepper motor, dc motor, and a laser diode connected to the GPIO pins. I have a python .py script that I want to use to control the connected motors and laser diodes. How do I configure my pi zero so that it executes the python .py script once the pi is power is connected to the pi?

  • Hi,


    The easiest way to do this is to call the script from /etc/rc.local .

    As a software-engineering hint: don't call the python script directly, but call a shell script called rc.yourproject . Put the rc.yourproject file with your python sources in the same directory. Then if starting your project requires more than one line, you can add it there. Stuff like set the GPIO port modes correctly, change directory to the project directory, add a "su pi -c python yourscript.py" instead of running it as root.... Those things end up in that rc file that you keep with your project. Otherwise they end up in /etc/rc.local, and when you e.g. need to wipe the SD card and start over with a fresh install you're likely to forget copying the old rc.local and only copy the project directory to a safe place. Of course YOU won't forget to  backup rc.local. I know that. But after a few times one of those days you WILL forget. Better to put all the startup inside your project directory so that you remember making the backup.