Pick a language. Write some code. I recommend one that requires minimal building. Maybe python. If you need a build tool, use make. Use a text editor, like nano

Pick a language. Write some code. I recommend one that requires minimal building. Maybe python. If you need a build tool, use make. Use a text editor, like nano, gedit, or notepad++. Not a complex one like vim or emacs. Keep it simple. Now - And this is the important part - WRITE SOME CODE. It doesn't have to be complicated, It could just implement cat or something. But the important thing is to write it. Don't bother trying to find the "right way." If you need libraries, go for the path of least resistance. EDIT: This is important, so I want to say it as clearly as possible. FUCK. ES. 2015. ES5 is actually pretty good. Learn prototypical inheritance, or just don't use OO. People have built real apps in ES5, you'll live. It might be hard at times, and you might have trouble learning, but the important thing is that you'll be writing code, not fixing your toolkit.