NewNew abstract, copied from the obsolete Frame version.

Doc/ref/ref.tex

@@ -15,28 +15,28 @@
 \begin{abstract}
 
 \noindent
-Python is a simple, yet powerful, interpreted programming language
-that bridges the gap between \C{} and shell programming, and is thus
-ideally suited for ``throw-away programming'' and rapid prototyping.
-Its syntax is put together from constructs borrowed from a variety of
-other languages; most prominent are influences from \ABC, \C, Modula-3
-and Icon.
-
-The Python interpreter is easily extended with new functions and data
-types implemented in \C{}.  Python is also suitable as an extension
-language for highly customizable C applications such as editors or
-window managers.
-
-Python is available for various operating systems, amongst which
-several flavors of \UNIX{} (including Linux), the Apple Macintosh O.S.,
-MS-DOS, MS-Windows 3.1, Windows NT, and OS/2.
+Python is an interpreted, object-oriented, high-level programming
+language with dynamic semantics.  Its high-level built in data
+structures, combined with dynamic typing and dynamic binding, make it
+very attractive for rapid application development, as well as for use
+as a scripting or glue language to connect existing components
+together.  Python's simple, easy to learn syntax emphasizes
+readability and therefore reduces the cost of program
+maintenance.  Python supports modules and packages, which encourages
+program modularity and code reuse.  The Python interpreter and the
+extensive standard library are available in source or binary form
+without charge for all major platforms, and can be freely distributed.
 
 This reference manual describes the syntax and ``core semantics'' of
-the language.  It is terse, but attempts to be exact and complete.
-The semantics of non-essential built-in object types and of the
-built-in functions and modules are described in the \emph{Python
-Library Reference}.  For an informal introduction to the language, see
-the \emph{Python Tutorial}.
+the language.  It is terse, but attempts to be exact and complete.  The
+semantics of non-essential built-in object types and of the built-in
+functions and modules are described in the \emph{Python Library
+Reference}.  For an informal introduction to the language, see the
+\emph{Python Tutorial}.  For \C{} or \Cpp{} programmers, two additional
+manuals exist: \emph{Extending and Embedding the Python Interpreter}
+describes the high-level picture of how to write a Python extension
+module, and the \emph{Python/C API Reference Manual} describes the
+interfaces available to C/C++ programmers in detail.
 
 \end{abstract}