I’ve been trying to set up my Linux machine to run a shell script automatically when the system starts, and it’s been a bit of a headache. It’s so much easier when you can just have things running without lifting a finger, right? The script I want to run is critical for my workflow, but I can’t seem to find the best way to make it happen without manually starting it every time I boot up.

I’ve heard of a few different methods out there, but honestly, I get confused about which is the best or most efficient. I know there are services like `systemd`, which seem to be the go-to for many folks nowadays, but it can feel a bit overwhelming if you’ve never done it before. Should I be creating a `systemd` service file, or is that overkill for a simple script?

Then there’s the classic `/etc/rc.local` method, which seems straightforward enough. I’ve read that this can be a quick fix, but what if I want to make sure my script runs after other services have started? Also, is there a way to ensure that it runs in the proper environment, especially if it relies on specific variables or paths?

I’ve also come across the idea of cron jobs, specifically using `@reboot`, but again, I’m not sure if that’s the best approach compared to `systemd`. Plus, it feels a bit like a half-measure considering how powerful `systemd` is.

If anyone has experience with this, I’d love to hear about the methods you’ve used. What worked for you? Any pitfalls I should watch out for? I mean, is there a common set of steps that even a newbie could follow without getting lost in all the details? Looking for something practical that doesn’t require a PhD in Linux just to get a script to run! Any advice would be super helpful—thanks!