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
Databricks
Introduction to Computational Statistics for Data Scientists
Skills you'll gain: Bayesian Statistics, Databricks, Sampling (Statistics), Statistical Modeling, Probability, Classification And Regression Tree (CART), Jupyter, Regression Analysis, Statistical Programming, Predictive Modeling, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Machine Learning, Probability Distribution, Data Science, Markov Model, Statistics, NumPy, Simulations, Mathematical Software, Statistical Inference
4
Rating, 4 out of 5 stars
109 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado System
Kalman Filter Boot Camp (and State Estimation)
Skills you'll gain: Linear Algebra, Mathematical Modeling, Estimation, Matlab, Statistical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Control Systems, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Simulation and Simulation Software, Probability & Statistics, System Implementation, Differential Equations
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
16 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Cisco Learning and Certifications
Threat Analysis
Skills you'll gain: MITRE ATT&CK Framework, Threat Modeling, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Threat Detection, Incident Response, Computer Security Incident Management, Malware Protection, Network Analysis, Cybersecurity, Network Security, Network Monitoring, SQL
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
33 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Importing Data in the Tidyverse
Skills you'll gain: Data Import/Export, Web Scraping, Tidyverse (R Package), Data Integration, Data Manipulation, Data Transformation, Relational Databases, Google Sheets, Unstructured Data, R Programming, Extensible Markup Language (XML), Spreadsheet Software, Databases, SQL, Data Storage, Application Programming Interface (API)
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
49 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Packt
Postman Tutorial: Getting Started with API Testing
Skills you'll gain: Postman API Platform, Application Programming Interface (API), Software Testing, Restful API, Development Environment, Collaborative Software, Web Development Tools, JSON, Data Import/Export, Authentications
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
17 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Packt
LangChain MasterClass: Build 15 LLM Apps with Python
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Large Language Modeling, OpenAI, Application Development, Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence, Python Programming, Natural Language Processing, Data Processing, Semantic Web, Text Mining, Query Languages, Application Programming Interface (API)
3.3
Rating, 3.3 out of 5 stars
12 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
LearnQuest
Introduction to Java as a Second Language
Skills you'll gain: Java, Java Programming, Eclipse (Software), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Development Environment, Computer Programming, Program Development, Virtual Machines, Web Applications, Software Installation
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
81 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Board Infinity
Holistic Mobile App Design & Development
Skills you'll gain: React Native, Docker (Software), Mobile Development, Cross Platform Development, Azure DevOps, Jest (JavaScript Testing Framework), Containerization, Microservices, User Interface (UI), UI Components, ASP.NET, DevOps, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, .NET Framework, Unit Testing, Development Environment, Development Testing, Performance Tuning, Software Testing, Data Security
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
45 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
LearnQuest
The Java Language
Skills you'll gain: Java Programming, Java, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Computer Programming, Object Oriented Design, Development Environment
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
83 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Economía del Cambio Climático
Skills you'll gain: Supply And Demand, Economics, Environmental Policy, Behavioral Economics, International Relations, Big Data, Cost Benefit Analysis, Environmental Regulations, Tax, Mathematical Modeling, Mitigation, Market Analysis, Decision Making, Environmental Science
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
27 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Microsoft Azure for AI and Machine Learning
Skills you'll gain: MLOps (Machine Learning Operations), Microsoft Azure, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Application Deployment, Data Pipelines, Network Troubleshooting, Cloud Computing, Software Versioning, CI/CD, Continuous Monitoring, Data Storage, Scalability, Data Quality, Data Transformation
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
11 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Infosec
Python for Command-and-control, Exfiltration and Impact
Skills you'll gain: Threat Modeling, Cyber Operations, Threat Detection, Cybersecurity, Incident Response, Scripting, Command-Line Interface, Python Programming, Encryption, Network Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
40 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks