Making the python script run at boot

Now to convert the pi as a stand alone embedded system i.e it will do the desired task if powered on.

This is achieved using the crontab function of the linux kernel and a shell script.

1. now go to the directory which contains the target files.

   $cd /ubidots
   

2. Create a pyhton script called new.py with the contents as

   import time
   time.sleep(10)
   

   To induce a 10 sec delay of runnnig the ubi-test.py at boot up so all the required protocols and drivers will be up and running before the code is executed.

3. Create a new file called launcher.sh . And input the following data

   $cd /
   $cd /home/pi/ubidots
   $sudo python new.py
   $sudo python ubi-test.py &
   $cd /
   

4. Now make the launcher.sh as an executable file by

   $sudo chmod 755 launcher.sh
   

5. Now try running the launcher .sh

   $sudo sh launcher.sh
   

   which will result in the script in running after a time interwal of 10 secs.

6. Now edit the crontab using $sudo crontab -e and add these lines at the bottom

   @reboot sh /home/pi/ubidots/launcher.sh > /home/pi/ubidots/logs/cronlog 2>&1
   

   It will look as follows
   

7. now save this and reboot the system using the command

   $sudo reboot
   

8. Now the raspberry will reboot and the code will run as a background service.This need to be verified in two ways.

   1. Firstly use the following command to check wether the program is running or not.

      $ps aux | grep /home/pi/ubidots/ubi-test.py
      

   2. Secondly verify wether the value has beeen uploaded to the online cloud.