Initialize repository scaffolding for Jupyter notebook learning modules

.env.example

@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+# Environment Variables Template
+# Copy this file to .env and fill in your actual values
+# DO NOT commit the .env file with actual credentials
+
+# OpenAI API Key (if using OpenAI services)
+OPENAI_API_KEY=
+
+# Add other environment variables below as needed

.gitignore

@@ -1,22 +1,145 @@
-### AL ###
-#Template for AL projects for Dynamics 365 Business Central
-#launch.json folder
+# Python/Jupyter optimized .gitignore
+
+# Environment variables
+.env
+.env.local
+
+# Byte-compiled / optimized / DLL files
+__pycache__/
+*.py[cod]
+*$py.class
+
+# C extensions
+*.so
+
+# Distribution / packaging
+.Python
+build/
+develop-eggs/
+dist/
+downloads/
+eggs/
+.eggs/
+lib/
+lib64/
+parts/
+sdist/
+var/
+wheels/
+pip-wheel-metadata/
+share/python-wheels/
+*.egg-info/
+.installed.cfg
+*.egg
+MANIFEST
+
+# PyInstaller
+*.manifest
+*.spec
+
+# Installer logs
+pip-log.txt
+pip-delete-this-directory.txt
+
+# Unit test / coverage reports
+htmlcov/
+.tox/
+.nox/
+.coverage
+.coverage.*
+.cache
+nosetests.xml
+coverage.xml
+*.cover
+*.py,cover
+.hypothesis/
+.pytest_cache/
+
+# Translations
+*.mo
+*.pot
+
+# Django stuff:
+*.log
+local_settings.py
+db.sqlite3
+db.sqlite3-journal
+
+# Flask stuff:
+instance/
+.webassets-cache
+
+# Scrapy stuff:
+.scrapy
+
+# Sphinx documentation
+docs/_build/
+
+# PyBuilder
+target/
+
+# Jupyter Notebook
+.ipynb_checkpoints
+*/.ipynb_checkpoints/*
+
+# IPython
+profile_default/
+ipython_config.py
+
+# pyenv
+.python-version
+
+# pipenv
+Pipfile.lock
+
+# PEP 582
+__pypackages__/
+
+# Celery stuff
+celerybeat-schedule
+celerybeat.pid
+
+# SageMath parsed files
+*.sage.py
+
+# Environments
+.env
+.venv
+env/
+venv/
+ENV/
+env.bak/
+venv.bak/
+
+# Spyder project settings
+.spyderproject
+.spyproject
+
+# Rope project settings
+.ropeproject
+
+# mkdocs documentation
+/site
+
+# mypy
+.mypy_cache/
+.dmypy.json
+dmypy.json
+
+# Pyre type checker
+.pyre/
+
+# macOS
+.DS_Store
+
+# Windows
+Thumbs.db
+ehthumbs.db
+Desktop.ini
+
+# IDEs
 .vscode/
-#Cache folder
-.alcache/
-#Symbols folder
-.alpackages/
-#Snapshots folder
-.snapshots/
-#Testing Output folder
-.output/
-#Extension App-file
-*.app
-#Rapid Application Development File
-rad.json
-#Translation Base-file
-*.g.xlf
-#License-file
-*.flf
-#Test results file
-TestResults.xml
+.idea/
+*.swp
+*.swo
+*~

README.md

@@ -1,2 +1,126 @@
 # UKDS-Modules
-This repository contains Jupyter notebooks used as practice materials for various learning modules and hands-on experimentation.
+
+This repository contains Jupyter notebooks used as practice materials for various learning modules and hands-on experimentation with data science, research methods, and computational techniques.
+
+## Purpose
+
+This repository serves as a centralized collection of interactive Jupyter notebooks designed for:
+- Educational workshops and training sessions
+- Self-paced learning modules
+- Practical exercises and demonstrations
+- Research methodology tutorials
+- Data analysis practice materials
+
+## Repository Structure
+
+```
+UKDS-Modules/
+├── README.md              # This file - project overview and setup guide
+├── .gitignore            # Python/Jupyter-optimized ignore rules
+├── .env.example          # Template for environment variables
+└── modules/              # (To be created) Individual module folders
+    ├── module-01/        # Example module structure
+    │   ├── notebooks/    # Jupyter notebooks for this module
+    │   ├── data/         # Sample datasets (if applicable)
+    │   └── README.md     # Module-specific documentation
+    └── module-02/
+        └── ...
+```
+
+## Environment Setup
+
+### Prerequisites
+
+- Python 3.8 or higher
+- pip (Python package manager)
+- Git
+
+### Installation
+
+1. **Clone the repository**
+   ```bash
+   git clone https://github.com/UKDataServiceOpen/UKDS-Modules.git
+   cd UKDS-Modules
+   ```
+
+2. **Create a virtual environment** (recommended)
+   ```bash
+   # On Windows
+   python -m venv env
+   env\Scripts\activate
+
+   # On macOS/Linux
+   python3 -m venv env
+   source env/bin/activate
+   ```
+
+3. **Install Jupyter and dependencies**
+   ```bash
+   pip install jupyter notebook jupyterlab
+   # Additional packages will be specified in individual module directories
+   ```
+
+4. **Set up environment variables** (if required)
+   ```bash
+   cp .env.example .env
+   # Edit .env with your actual API keys and configuration
+   ```
+
+5. **Launch Jupyter**
+   ```bash
+   jupyter notebook
+   # or for JupyterLab
+   jupyter lab
+   ```
+
+### Environment Variables
+
+Some modules may require API keys or configuration. Copy `.env.example` to `.env` and populate with your credentials:
+
+```bash
+cp .env.example .env
+```
+
+**Important:** Never commit your `.env` file with actual credentials. The `.gitignore` file is configured to exclude it.
+
+## Working with Notebooks
+
+1. Navigate to the appropriate module folder
+2. Open the desired `.ipynb` notebook file
+3. Follow the instructions within each notebook
+4. Execute cells sequentially using `Shift + Enter`
+
+## Contributing
+
+If you're contributing new modules or notebooks:
+
+1. Create a new folder under the appropriate section
+2. Include a module-specific `README.md` with:
+   - Learning objectives
+   - Prerequisites
+   - Required packages (include a `requirements.txt` if needed)
+   - Expected outcomes
+3. Ensure notebooks are well-documented with markdown cells
+4. Clear all output before committing: `Cell > All Output > Clear`
+
+## Best Practices
+
+- **Version Control:** Clear notebook outputs before committing to keep diffs clean
+- **Documentation:** Use markdown cells liberally to explain concepts and code
+- **Dependencies:** Document all required packages at the module level
+- **Data Privacy:** Never commit sensitive or personal data
+- **Code Quality:** Follow PEP 8 style guidelines for Python code
+
+## Support
+
+For questions, issues, or contributions, please:
+- Open an issue in this repository
+- Contact the UK Data Service team
+
+## License
+
+Please refer to the repository license file for usage terms and conditions.
+
+---
+
+**UK Data Service** - Providing access to social and economic data for research and teaching.