Ask HN: How did you learn to code?

My school exposed me to HTML, VB, and later in high school, C and C++. I got interested in website development, so I started with ASP, but quickly moved to PHP because it is easier to get free hosting (I was still a kid with no money!). I learned everything from my school library books, and free online resources.

I was exposed to Java and C# in my computer science engineering course, but I never actually learned much apart from the basics which I needed for the course itself. Ironically, I didn't pick up on the very things which I was thought formally.

I learned basic javascript and more PHP stuff (MVC, OOP, templates et all) when I got a chance to intern in a small start up. I did a few small freelance jobs after that.

I learned some basic Python and Ruby by myself, and learned advanced Javascript when I got exposed to Node.js. I learned more Ruby when I got a small Ruby/Sinatra gig. More Node.js when I got employed as a Node.js developer. MongoDB/Redis/everything else was mostly on the job.

Linux/Bash was a lot of experimentation, and a lot of practice.

As you can see, the pattern is that I learned mostly by myself: By trying to do things, and by using online resources. I never read a full book (apart from the Javascript the Good Parts), and never finished a full online course. I learned as I worked.

I am not condoning this method, and I don't know if its the best, but it's what worked for me.

rsearles, are you me? Seriously, this post blew my mind. I'm new to HN, and have been using codeacademy and DASH (finished full html/css tutorial last week). Already looking into that One month rails thing and reading the replies here!

My question would be the best way to plan for developing an iOS app? Should I be bothering to learn the basics of JS or just skip to jquery tutorials? C++ basics important? Thanks!