How to setup a service to automatically run a python script when the BeagleBone Black (BBB) reboots. These instructions allow you to setup a python script to automatically start when the BeagleBone (running Angstrom linux with systemd) restarts.

bbb_boot_service_instructions.md

Creating a service to startup at BeagleBone Black boot time:

• Create a shell script such as /usr/bin/myFancyBash.sh:

    #!/bin/bash
  
    # this could be any runnable code or shell script, really
    /usr/bin/myFancyPython.py 
  

Note that the first line is critical.

• Create a service file in /lib/systemd/myFancy.service such as:

    [Unit]
    Description=My Fancy Service
  
    [Service]
    Type=simple
    ExecStart=/usr/bin/myFancyBash.sh
  
    [Install]
    WantedBy=multi-user.target
  

• Create a symbolic link between your script and a special location under /etc:

    ln -s /lib/systemd/myFancy.service /etc/systemd/system/myFancy.service
  

• Make systemd aware of your new service

    systemctl daemon-reload
    systemctl enable myFancy.service
    systemctl start myFancy.service
  

• Reboot the BeagleBone Black to see your script in action

• If you wish to control the service at runtime, you can use systemctl commands:

    systemctl status myFancy.service
    systemctl stop myFancy.service
    systemctl start myFancy.service
    systemctl disable myFancy.service
  

If doing this for a bash script and executable inside a user account:
Replace:
ExecStart=/usr/bin/myFancyBash.sh
With, for example:
ExecStart=/home/debian/.../myFancyBash.sh