starting a python script as a background process

[Claude Jones]

Alexander Dalloz wrote:
> 
> If you run a command from /etc/rc.local but do not send it to
> background, it will occupy the terminal and the startup stops until you
> release it. Placing a "&" at the end of the command would help too. But
> I recommend you better write an init script for your proxy daemon
> process, rather than to run it from rc.local.
> 
> /usr/share/doc/initscripts*/sysvinitfiles
> 
> holds an skeleton example.
> 

Could you explain why you think it's preferable to use such a script vs. 
placing the commands in rc.local? I'm still learning, and the difference 
in the two approaches is not apparent to me.

-- 
Claude Jones
Bluemont, VA, USA