IMO, the "best" way to learn this stuff is to try and pick some specific synth, usually a subtractive synth with normal tools/controls and then try and create a bunch of "real"-ish sounds on it.
For instance, the Roland Gaia is a good example... almost all its controls are knobs or sliders and there isn't a whole lot hidden in it. But there are similar software versions. And a synth like that is just a bunch of modules more or less hard-wired together.
If you reset it and turn as much off as you can, it is much easier to get some insight into how these things work.
When I was learning how to program a synth, I did a little of research on how to create a snare drum sound with a subtractive synth, and when I had that, I worked on creating a tom-tom, a bass drum, etc. Then I tried the same with a "horn" sound or a "string sound".
That won't get you very far, but it's a lot more solid of an approach than just noodling. I like to mess around with stuff too, but it's easier to learn when I'm trying to do something intentional.
For instance, the Roland Gaia is a good example... almost all its controls are knobs or sliders and there isn't a whole lot hidden in it. But there are similar software versions. And a synth like that is just a bunch of modules more or less hard-wired together.
If you reset it and turn as much off as you can, it is much easier to get some insight into how these things work.
When I was learning how to program a synth, I did a little of research on how to create a snare drum sound with a subtractive synth, and when I had that, I worked on creating a tom-tom, a bass drum, etc. Then I tried the same with a "horn" sound or a "string sound".
That won't get you very far, but it's a lot more solid of an approach than just noodling. I like to mess around with stuff too, but it's easier to learn when I'm trying to do something intentional.