I got a laptop. Especially for school, but I also want to continue my education outside of school. That's when I got the idea to learn to program! How much effort is involved and can I even teach myself that without any help? And would this additional qualification even help me with an application?
You can first think about what you want to do. "Programming" is not a valid answer.
Then you can decide which language or means to go on with.
Python is a popular language for beginners.
You never stop learning to program, you always have to stay tuned. The more you do, the faster you will be able to write more complex programs.
I taught it to myself or through my own research on the Internet (there are a lot of cheerful people who share their knowledge for free), so it is possible if you stick with it.
In principle not a bad idea and yes, something like that can be very helpful when applying - especially if you can then show you your own, small project.
You should think about what you want as a result and then decide on a suitable language accordingly. Then it can be a good first step to attend a VHS course.
You can definitely teach yourself this. When it comes to programming, you can always orientate yourself towards the fact that a few years ago everyone had to teach themselves how to program because computers were still brand new and nobody knew their way around.
A good first step is to think carefully about what you want to program. First of all, a small task is useful. Start with something simple, which you can formulate well in normal German.
Then you can start with a simple programming language, e.g. B. In Microsoft Excel with the programming language "Visual Basic for Applications" built into it.
Small tasks, but programming them completely ready, brings in my opinion the best progress.
Tutorials and instructions e.g. B. On Codeacademy, selfhtml etc. Help to teach yourself.
As with anything, the more time you invest, the faster it will go uphill. Less than 1 hour at a time, I wouldn't go.
How much effort is involved
Very much. Or maybe not. At least not if you learn step by step. The most common beginner mistake is expecting too much and aiming too high. If you work step by step and take on smaller projects at the beginning, it doesn't grow too much over your head and in between you always have a sense of achievement that motivates you.
can I even teach myself this without any help?
Without help in the sense of staring at the screen until you know how to do it? No!
Tutorials and forums will become your best friends in learning. Without help in the sense of a teacher or online course? Yeah, that's possible, but more difficult.
And would this additional qualification even help me with an application?
It depends on what you are applying for. Shelf clearers in the Netto do not benefit as much from programming knowledge.
