I agree with the replies to your post, but I wanted to add some information and share my own experience to what I found to be
my most efficient way to learn Chinese.
Possible path:
1. Learn 100 most basic characters before taking any classes
2. Take online class/classes at a language school which has small classes and forces you to spend significant time with the language. I have spent three months in a language school, I came with zero knowledge, and I am now at a level where I could proceed to study effectively on my own if I want.
3. Begin by focusing hard on learning to write basic characters, (and obviously also remember their meaning and pronunciation). Why? They a certain amount of characters show up everywhere and guarantee that you survive in China.
4. Once you have learned to write around 400/500 basic characters from memory, focus more on recognition of characters. Writing is important, but the fact is that the output from perfecting Chinese handwriting will require a disproportionate amount of input and you won't feel you are 'efficient'. Recognition also gets super fast once you know many basic characters.
5. Speak read and listen as much as you can.
6. Use spaced repetition flashcard software for all new words
Throughout your entire journey, you'll need effective study methods, people have mentioned apps and resources in this post but the list is not exhaustive. Here is a link to an article with videos and demonstrations of the most helpful apps you can use to learn Chinese
https://www.omeidachinese.com/15-best-a ... n-chinese/
Personally, I have managed to set up an efficient routine using Pleco. I purchased the extension with spaced repetition software and felt I had everything I needed. Everyone is different though, so the above link may help you find good resources.
Best learning,
Joel