Run Python script at startup in Ubuntu [Failed] - linux

Question

I wanted to run a python script at boot in Ubuntu.
I tried referring to few existing solutions in stackoverflow but somehow I don't get it working.
Could anyone advise me on what piece of info I am missing!
Reference 1
Run Python script at startup in Ubuntu answered by #RickyA
Put this in /etc/init (Use /etc/systemd in Ubuntu 15.x)
mystartupscript.conf
start on runlevel [2345]
stop on runlevel [!2345]
exec /path/to/script.py
By placing this conf file there you hook into ubuntu's upstart service that runs services on startup.
manual starting/ stopping is done with sudo service mystartupscript start and sudo service mystartupscript stop
Results for Reference 1
In my case, the python script that I wanted to run on boot is located in /home/aspma/Dropbox/Linux/c_lynda_program_backup_script.py
When I tried to manually start the service from terminal window, i got an error message: start Job failed to start
Screenshot of mystartupscipt.conf file that i added inside /etc/init and its failed attempt for manual starting the service
Reference 2
How To Start Python Script On Bootup answered by #Germar
You can add it to /etc/rc.local. This can be used to run scripts and programs on system boot which doesn't have their own scripts for runlevels. It will run as root
Run sudo nano /etc/rc.local and add your line before exit 0
#!/bin/sh -e
#
# rc.local
#
# This script is executed at the end of each multiuser runlevel.
# Make sure that the script will "exit 0" on success or any other
# value on error.
#
# In order to enable or disable this script just change the execution
# bits.
#
# By default this script does nothing.
python /home/my-sickbeard-install/SickBeard.py 2>&1 >/dev/null &
exit 0
Results for Reference 2
In my case, the python script that I wanted to run on boot is located in /home/aspma/Dropbox/Linux/c_lynda_program_backup_script.py
Screeenshot of file that is edited in /etc/rc.local
This doesn't work too
Virtual Machine Details
Ubuntu Version 14.04.5 LTS
Python 2.7.6

Answer 1

I managed to get the python script run automatically at the boot, by adding one more step to the solution given in Reference 2 (see the question).
By adding the directory of the python script to PYTHONPATH, I was able to get it working.
To add the directory permanently to the PYTHON PATH, add this to your ~/.bashrc
export PYTHONPATH=$PYTHONPATH:/my/other/folder_containing_python_script
Thanks to the post: Permanently add a directory to PYTHONPATH