Added introduction documentation

docs/source/index.rst

@@ -6,6 +6,93 @@
 Welcome to Maestro Workflow Conductor Documentation
 ===================================================
 
+Maestro is an open-source HPC software tool that defines a YAML-based study
+specification for defining multi-step workflows and automates execution of
+software flows on HPC resources. The core design tenants of Maestro focus on
+encouraging clear workflow communication and documentation, while making
+consistent execution easier to allow users to focus on science.
+
+Maestro's study specification helps users think about complex workflows in a
+step-wise, intent-oriented, manner that encourages modularity and tool reuse.
+Maestro’s development centers around a user-centric design approach and makes
+use of software design practices such as abstract interfacing and utilizing
+design patterns, forming the foundation of a vision for enabling a layered
+architecture to workflow tool design.
+
+These principles are becoming increasingly important as computational science
+is continuously more present in scientific fields and users continue to perform
+increasingly complex workflow processes across platforms.
+
+Getting Started is Quick and Easy
+==================================
+
+Create a ``YAML`` file named ``study.yaml`` and paste the following content
+into the file:
+
+.. code:: yaml
+
+    description:
+        name: hello_world
+        description: A simple 'Hello World' study.
+
+    study:
+        - name: say-hello
+          description: Say hello to the world!
+          run:
+              cmd: |
+                echo "Hello, World!" > hello_world.txt
+
+.. note::
+
+    `PHILOSOPHY`: Maestro believes in the principle of a clearly defined process,
+    specified as a list of tasks, that are self-documenting and clear in their
+    intent.
+
+Running the ``hello_world`` study is as simple as:
+
+.. code:: bash
+
+    maestro run study.yaml
+
+Creating a Parameter Study is just as Easy
+===========================================
+
+With the addition of the ``global.parameters`` block, and a few simple tweaks
+to your study block, the complete specification should look like this:
+
+.. code:: bash
+
+    description:
+        name: hello_planet
+        description: A simple study to say hello to planets (and Pluto)
+
+    study:
+        - name: say-hello
+          description: Say hello to a planet!
+          run:
+             cmd: |
+                echo "Hello, $(PLANET)!" > hello_$(PLANET).txt
+
+    global.parameters:
+        PLANET:
+            values: [Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto]
+            label: PLANET.%%
+
+.. note::
+
+    `PHILOSOPHY`: Maestro believes that a workflow should be easily parameterized
+    with minimal modifications to the core process.
+
+Maestro will automatically expand each parameter into its own isolated
+workspace, generate a script for each parameter, and automatically monitor
+execution of each task.
+
+And, running the study is still as simple as:
+
+.. code:: bash
+
+    maestro run study.yaml
+
 .. toctree::
    :maxdepth: 4
    :caption: Contents: