Where To Start For Electronic Basics

I don't normally chime in on this forum because I am such an ee n00b too, but I remember being a s/w n00b and I too share your enthusiasm and excitement.

If you don't have one, get a multimeter. Find out how to do a "continuity test". I'm from a s/w background and I think of this part of the tool as the equivalent of the basics of Unit Testing.

Does pin x really connect to pin y of my sensor? Prove it. Buzzzz... yep.

I admit I am quite interested how other s/w disciplines/patterns relate to ee, all I have so far is that and:

Blinking LED = "Hello World"

So no, not a terribly long list, not even sure how true this comparison rings, but its helping me until I find a better paradigm.

I think buying a soldering iron is the equivalent of learning to touch-type for a programmer. It might be an expensive outlay (cash as apposed to time) but you will use it elsewhere, a skill for life. My wife is amazed at the things I can now "repair".