The manuals don't provide a whole lot about the new pre-processor directives, #define and #macro. These are really nice features and can help make programming faster and neater, but they only work in PE6. Information on #define and #macro can be found in the
PE6 Release Notes. Everyone using PE6 should download this and read it thoroughly.
What I do is put a Picaxe on a breadboard with a download circuit, and TRY EVERYTHING. I use the simulator for syntax checking and basic sanity checks. But do most debugging with a real Picaxe and the terminal or an LCD display.
I do small sections of code at a time until I understand the command or function that I am trying to learn/use. Then I build a program one section at a time making sure each section works before adding the next.
With #define and #macro you can build libraries of "functions" that you can use over and over again. You can make custom "commands" or even "rename" a command. Don't like "sertxd"? Then "rename" it with a #define. But realize that it might make it harder for others to understand your code.
For larger projects you can use #include and put your #defines and #macros in separate files and then #include the file (or files) when you need to use those functions. Just don't be afraid to try stuff and don't ever give up.
A book? Thanks for the compliment, but I am not quite up to doing a book. My background is in Electronics Eng. and I still consider myself a novice at programming. But maybe one day. Until then, I'll keep hanging around and continue learning from the folks here.