How to learn C programming?

Whether you’re learning C programming for software development, systems programming, or academic purposes, having a clear goal can guide your learning. Consistent practice with coding and debugging is critical. Join communities like Stack Overflow or Reddit's r/C_Programming to ask questions and share knowledge. Work on real projects such as creating small programs. Introduction to C and C++ Specialization by Duke University on is a great starting resource.

What are the best C programming courses on Coursera?

Top options include C Programming for Beginners from Duke University and C Programming for Everybody from the University of Michigan . These courses cover everything from basic syntax to advanced topics like pointers, memory management, and data structures .

Can I learn C programming for free on Coursera?

Yes. Many C programming courses offer a free audit option, allowing learners to access video lessons and reading materials at no cost. To complete assignments or earn a certificate, you’ll need to upgrade or apply for financial aid.

What will I learn in a C programming course?

You’ll learn how to write C code, understand control structures (like loops and conditionals), use functions, work with arrays and strings, and manage memory with pointers. Some courses also cover debugging and testing C programs.

Do I need coding experience to start learning C programming?

Not at all. Many courses are designed for beginners and introduce C concepts step by step. However, some familiarity with basic programming logic can be helpful, especially if you want to move on to more advanced topics or other programming languages.

"Can Coursera’s C programming courses help me in my career? "

Yes. C programming is fundamental in areas like embedded systems , game development , and operating systems. Coursera courses can help you build job-ready skills, strengthen your programming foundation, and prepare for roles that require low-level programming expertise.

Top C Programming Courses - Learn C Programming Online

Find the Best C Programming Course for Your Goals

Status: Free Trial
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Foundations of Professional Identity
Skills you'll gain: Professional Development, Business Ethics, Professionalism, Decision Making, Strong Work Ethic, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Trustworthiness, Personal Development, Communication, Problem Solving, Self-Awareness, Conflict Management
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
62 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Programming Languages Ⅱ
Skills you'll gain: Scala Programming, Other Programming Languages, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Theoretical Computer Science, Scripting Languages, Software Design, Extensible Languages and XML
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Wesleyan University
Regression Modeling in Practice
Skills you'll gain: Regression Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Modeling, Data Analysis, Correlation Analysis, SAS (Software), Scatter Plots, Statistical Programming, Predictive Modeling, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Plot (Graphics)
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
274 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
ChatGPT + Excel: Master AI-driven Formulas & Visualizations
Skills you'll gain: Excel Macros, Excel Formulas, Microsoft Excel, Data Visualization, ChatGPT, Spreadsheet Software, Interactive Data Visualization, Productivity Software, Generative AI, Business Process Automation, Prompt Engineering, Data Validation, Prototyping, Data Import/Export, Debugging
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
47 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Edureka
Mastering Power BI for Data Analytics & Storytelling
Skills you'll gain: Power BI, Snowflake Schema, Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), Data Modeling, Microsoft SQL Servers, AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM), Inventory Management System, Transact-SQL, Amazon Web Services, SQL, Data Visualization Software, Interactive Data Visualization, Dashboard, Data Storytelling, Database Design, Data Analysis, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Presentation, Data Transformation, Business Intelligence
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
21 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
LearnQuest
Introduction to Java Enterprise Edition (EE)
Skills you'll gain: Java Platform Enterprise Edition (J2EE), Application Deployment, Web Applications, Application Servers, Java, Application Development, Web Development, Server Side, Application Frameworks
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
75 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
MathWorks
Introduction to Computer Vision
Skills you'll gain: Image Analysis, Computer Vision, Matlab, Data Mapping, Geospatial Information and Technology, Feature Engineering, Medical Imaging, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Applied Machine Learning, Geometric Dimensioning And Tolerancing, Algorithms
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
53 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Davis
Computer Simulations
Skills you'll gain: Simulations, Social Sciences, Systems Thinking, Agentic systems, Network Analysis, Computational Thinking, Sociology, Economics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Computer Programming
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
82 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
DeepLearning.AI
Building Systems with the ChatGPT API
Skills you'll gain: ChatGPT, Large Language Modeling, Prompt Engineering, OpenAI, Cloud API, Generative AI, Self Service Technologies, Python Programming
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
231 reviews
Beginner · Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Scrimba
Intro to AI Engineering
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, OpenAI, Generative AI, Data Ethics, ChatGPT, Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Application Programming Interface (API), Image Analysis, Large Language Modeling, Safety and Security
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
76 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Meta
Create the User Interface with SwiftUI
Skills you'll gain: User Interface (UI), Mobile Development, User Interface (UI) Design, Apple iOS, UI Components, Swift Programming, Apple Xcode, Application Development, Animations
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
113 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Peking University
Java程序设计
Skills you'll gain: Java Programming, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Computer Programming, C and C++, JUnit, Java Platform Enterprise Edition (J2EE), Network Model, UI Components, Software Design Patterns, User Interface (UI), Debugging, Data Structures, Application Development, Event-Driven Programming, File Management
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
208 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months