yup some more solid food questions...

When can you start introducing actual food, not mushed up? Should I wait until he can pick it up and eat it himself?
Right now he eats cookies but I hold it for him. He's been eating cereal, fruits and veggies for a few months now. He's just 8 months old.
Now that I'm thinking of it, he doesn't even need solid food yet, right? Ok now I'm confusing myself.