Introduction
============
-.. todo:: write a general blurb introducing the Python language
+From the `official Python website <http://python.org/about/>`_:
+
+Python is a general-purpose, high-level programming language similar
+to Tcl, Perl, Ruby, Scheme, or Java. Some of its main key features
+include:
+
+* very clear, readable syntax
+
+ Python's philosophy focuses on readability, from code blocks
+ delineated with significant whitespace to intuitive keywords in
+ place of inscrutable punctuation
+
+* extensive standard libraries and third party modules for virtually
+ any task
+
+ Python is sometimes described with the words "batteries included"
+ for its extensive
+ `stanadard library <http://docs.python.org/library/>`_, which can
+ includes modules for regular expressions, file IO, fraction handling,
+ object serialization, and much more.
+
+ Additionally, the
+ `Python Package Index <http://pypi.python.org/pypi/>`_ is available
+ for users to submit their packages for widespread use, similar to
+ Perl's `CPAN <http://www.cpan.org>`_. There is a thriving community
+ of very powerful Python frameworks and tools like
+ the `Django <http://www.djangoproject.com>`_ web framework and the
+ `NumPy <http://numpy.scipy.org>`_ set of math routines.
+
+* integration with other systems
+
+ Python can integrate with `Java libraries <http://www.jython.org>`_,
+ enabling it to be used with the rich Java environment that corporate
+ programmers are used to. It can also be
+ `extended by C or C++ modules <http://docs.python.org/extending/>`_
+ when speed is of the essence.
+
+* ubiquity on computers
+
+ Python is available on Windows, \*nix, and Mac. It runs wherever the
+ Java virtual machine runs, and the reference implementation CPython
+ can help bring Python to wherever there is a working C compiler.
+
+* friendly community
+
+ Python has a vibrant and large community which maintains wikis,
+ conferences, countless repositories, mailing lists, IRC channels,
+ and so much more. Heck, the Python community is even helping to write
+ this guide!
+
.. _about-ref: