Comment 10 for bug 241920

I would like to say one more thing... whether or not it’s a 4MB monster like DIP, I hope we can have some kind of beginning Python document or tutorial in the help files. I really enjoyed the fact that, in the Ubuntu help browser, “writing your own programs” is listed under “advanced topics.” My hope would be that kids who are first trying out Ubuntu might be curious enough to play around with programming and it could change their lives (or at least give them a valuable skill). Also, people who wouldn’t know they like programming may find themselves more inclined to do simple projects (at least in Python).

Obviously, DIP meets neither goal since it’s already something for experienced programmers. But, if we could have some Python documentation there, showing you how to play with the interpreter and make your first program (and introducing functions, classes, loops, etc.), that would make me very happy. Internet references would be good, too, of course, but the documentation would have to contain enough so that a user in a remote village in Bangladesh could be on their way to being a Python pro before they can get to the nearest net café to learn more. That’s my 0.02 taka, anyway ;)

IT skill is so important to social mobility these days that I think this fits well into the idealistic nature of Ubuntu.