Ask HN: How did you learn to program?
My path started by downloading VB and being amazed at how I can build applications really easily. I was 10 so my apps were very basic.
Next, I used to play a game called Graal Online, which used two scripting languages (v1 and v2). I learned both, the second introducing more, important programming concepts. This was fun, however I became disillusioned by having to pay $$$ to create content for the game and further my knowledge of the language. This did keep me hooked for a whole as I was amazed at how easy it was to essentially create whole new games with a complex set of assets and MMO capabilities.
I found picking up PHP very easy after the above. I was similarly amazed by how easy it was to create dynamic websites. I was also amazed I could do it for free and without doing anything shady.
I learned several other languages after this but a good couple of years ago, I have put more emphasis on concepts, ideas, paradigms, how things fit together. I do notice a pattern of amazement and then a burst forward in my skills. Recently, I've been amazed by Smalltalk, it feels like just learning a little bit has helped me program in OOP languages that bit better.
One skill I need to master above all is finishing what I start. This has been too much of a pattern with me.