This is one tool you can use in your toolkit for learning: http://www.coderbuddy.com/ -- free, social web IDE with testing environment and integrated publishing to free app hosting on Google App Engine (up to their quotas)
I've used this to introduce myself to coding and it is a great book, worth much more than the $3 asking price.
I've found this to be a little simple for anyone who's programmed before. Maybe it's gotten better since I last checked it out.
No I agree. Came from c++ that I haven't done in 4 years and I'm blowing through this. Definitely need something more comprehensive.
It is quite simple for beginners, but I have the feeling that when you are about half way in, you don't really learn so much from the book. It often tells you to go find out yourself. I have no problem finding out things on my own, but there is a reason I bought this book. My 2 cents.