Ask HN: Learning to code, can't afford bootcamp. What should I focus on?

Your friend should start with a project in mind. Even if they fail, it will guide everything else. First thing they need to find out is do they have any talent, or equivalent amount of burning desire, etc. Programming is hard, and not for most people (imo.) Supplementary income is one of the worst reasons to do this, but understandable.

Try http://freecodecamp.com/

Do your best and develop a portfolio. You'll get a job once prospective employers have something to see.

I'm interested in seeing the responses to this. Personally, I went with Python first - but it's not too late to change tracks if there is a better way.