Docs ComputeAutomate Server Setup with Startup Scripts

Automate Server Setup with Startup Scripts

Use cloud-init user data scripts to automatically configure your server on first boot.

intermediate

6 min read

LightYear Team

Updated April 24, 2026

cloud-initautomationstartupscripts

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What Are Startup Scripts?

Startup scripts (cloud-init user data) run automatically when a server boots for the first time. Use them to install packages, configure services, and set up your environment without manual SSH.

Adding a Startup Script at Deploy Time

In the Deploy Server form, expand Advanced Options and paste your script in the User Data field.

Example: Install Docker and Pull an Image

>_BASH

$#!/bin/bash
$set -e
$
$# Update system
$apt-get update -y
$apt-get upgrade -y
$
$# Install Docker
$curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com | sh
$
$# Pull and run a container
$docker pull nginx:latest
$docker run -d -p 80:80 --name web nginx:latest
$
$echo "Setup complete" >> /var/log/startup.log

Example: Configure a GPU ML Environment

>_BASH

$#!/bin/bash
$set -e
$
$# Install CUDA
$wget -q https://developer.download.nvidia.com/compute/cuda/repos/ubuntu2204/x86_64/cuda-keyring_1.1-1_all.deb
$dpkg -i cuda-keyring_1.1-1_all.deb
$apt-get update -q
$apt-get install -y cuda-12-2
$
$# Install Python packages
$pip3 install torch torchvision jupyterlab
$
$# Start Jupyter
$nohup jupyter lab --no-browser --ip=0.0.0.0 --port=8888 &

Viewing Script Output

>_BASH

$cat /var/log/cloud-init-output.log

Limitations

Limitation	Detail
Execution time	Scripts must complete within 30 minutes
Root access	Scripts run as root by default
One-time only	Runs on first boot only
Size limit	64 KB maximum

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