+1 to web-hosting as it gives the ability install one's own software on
one's domain (which feels great) *and* easy access to shell.

And when web-hosting feels like too much of a barrier to access, sites like
jsfiddle where you can immediately start adding *and* sharing code is key.
IMHO the initial appeal of Code Academy was that it removed all barriers to
getting started.  Getting a laptop's localhost set up is too daunting for a
first step, I think.

And videos. I loved (and still love) this video series on command line
basics from Lullabot: http://drupalize.me/series/command-line-basics-series

The Head First Lab series from O'Reilly is good for beginners as well.

M

On Fri, Nov 2, 2012 at 10:22 AM, Caroline Meikle <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Nth-ing Stack Overflow.
>
> Also, the O'Reilly Head First books.
>
>
> On 11/1/2012 9:16 PM, Bill Janssen wrote:
>
>> Bohyun Kim <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>>
>>  Hi all code4lib-bers,
>>>
>>> As coders and coding librarians, what is ONE tool and/or resource that
>>> you recommend to newbie coders in a library (and why)?  I promise I will
>>> create and circulate the list and make it into a Code4Lib wiki page for
>>> collective wisdom.  =)
>>>
>> "How to Design Programs" is online at
>> http://www.ccs.neu.edu/home/**matthias/HtDP2e/<http://www.ccs.neu.edu/home/matthias/HtDP2e/>.
>>  Good for newbie coders.
>>
>> StackOverflow.com is a great site for questions.
>>
>> Also a pretty good list at
>> http://grokcode.com/11/the-**top-9-in-a-hackers-bookshelf/<http://grokcode.com/11/the-top-9-in-a-hackers-bookshelf/>
>>
>> Bill
>>
>
>
> --
> Caroline Meikle
> Database Programmer
> UW-Madison Institute on Aging
> Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) Project
> http://midus.wisc.edu/
> Information Processing Consultant
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> Community and Regional Food Systems Project
> http://www.community-food.org/
> [log in to unmask]  | 608-358-0485
>