I would like to say that the easiest way for me to learn lua really fast was to build games with Corona using lua.
Having a great tool that gives great feedback right away makes learning a language more fun IMO.
Having a great tool that gives great feedback right away makes learning a language more fun IMO.
After learning Lua I also suggest to take a look at MoonScript[2] a dynamic scripting language that compiles into Lua, you can think about it as the CoffeeScript of Lua.
Since I became a Lua programmer, I really can't stand any other languages, and I've rapidly switched to it for my scripting needs. Tables are just soooo lovely. ;)
There were the expected "WTF?" moments but having something running and doing something practical is a great motivator.