MattW:
So you are turning toward doing software development for a career or a hobby? Cuz that depends too.
Sorry, I know "it depends" is kind of a crappy answer. But I've been in this industry for a long time, and you become a successful software developer by doing.
If you are wanting to turn toward a career in software development, I would start with taking some basic college classes on programming (coding). Classes that teach OO, such as C++ or Java is a good way to start.
To jump start a career in software development, I would recommend finding an open source software application that you find useful, but want to improve some how, and start contributing. Of course, you'd have to learn the lang it was written in, so you could start with that language.
The technical aspects of software development is actually things you can learn by reading. What makes you a really great developer is not really languages and technical aspects, but the ability to see solutions and deliver solutions to business problems using software (or automation via code, etc). And that, you can only learn by loving what you do and doing it.
Some great blogs/writers to start looking into are Jeff Atwood, Kathy Sierra, and Joel Spolsky. They write about the art of software, the aim of it, and the craft of practicing it. Their earlier writings will be more useful.
I hope that helps. Good luck to you.
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