[LocalMan]

The most fundamental things in learning to make software:

1. Alternate writing programs with classwork or book-learning. Back and forth.

2. Learn a programming language that a friend knows, so you have a place to get on-the-spot help. Ideally, somebody sitting next to you.

3. Have a computer available. Almost any home computer will do, no need for something expensive. There's plenty of free software you can download, free tutorials, free books...

4. There are cheap classes at some nearby community college or something like that. Finding the time is harder than paying for them.

5. The most important first courses are about a particular programming language, like "Python Programming 101".

6. The most important second courses are probably "Algorithms and Data Structures" and "Computer Architecture".