How you get started is really a personal preference. When I learn a language I like to have a list of functions with small examples. I then start by picking a big project I need to do, and start writing code. Other people I know like to start with smaller projects, or go through tutorials. The best advice I can give you is to try one way, if that way is uncomfortable for you, choose another way and try again. If you need ideas for a project, look through programs other monks have posted, and then try to write a program that does the same thing. After you write your program, look at how the original program was written. You will notice many differences, and it might show you a new technique or two.