This can be a good source for basic questions.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/655819754511434/Look for posts answered by Michael Kaiser, Arthur Slaughter, John Odom.
Do NOT use (such as Kingsford) bbq. brickettes! A chemical inhibiter is added to retard flame up and intense heat.
Actual hardwood charcoal is sold now and is supposed to work pretty good.
Coal is the cheapest, and you will "process" it into coke so save a few bucks and get bituminous if possible. Anthracite is a pain to work with and is a steep learning curve. Fast and easy is to buy a 20# or 50# bag of coke from a Farriers supplier.