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: New
Coursera Instructor Network
Introduction to Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG)
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Large Language Modeling, ChatGPT, OpenAI, Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Natural Language Processing, Application Development, Data Store, Data Storage Technologies
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
12 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
LearnQuest
Spring Data Repositories
Skills you'll gain: Spring Framework, Hibernate (Java), Object-Relational Mapping, Transaction Processing, Databases, Java, Restful API, Data Access, Web Services, Middleware
3.9
Rating, 3.9 out of 5 stars
47 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Codio
Python Object Basics: Functions, Recursion, and Objects
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Scripting Languages, Python Programming, Scripting
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
65 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Google Cloud
Hands-on Foundations for Data Science and Machine Learning with Google Cloud Labs
Skills you'll gain: Data Warehousing, Google Cloud Platform, Big Data, Apache Spark, Database Management, Data Integration, Dataflow, SQL, Data Pipelines, Metadata Management, Data Management, Real Time Data, Tensorflow, Data Science, Command-Line Interface, Applied Machine Learning, Cloud-Based Integration, Query Languages, Power BI, Data Loss Prevention
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
125 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Edureka
Applied Data Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Power BI, Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), Data Visualization, Exploratory Data Analysis, Matplotlib, Data Visualization Software, Web Scraping, Probability Distribution, Predictive Modeling, Seaborn, Statistical Visualization, SQL, Plotly, Interactive Data Visualization, Statistical Inference, Pandas (Python Package), Database Management, Data Analysis, Data Presentation, Databases
3.9
Rating, 3.9 out of 5 stars
8 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
KodeKloud
Python for the Absolute Beginner
Skills you'll gain: Python Programming, Programming Principles, Data Structures, Debugging, Computer Programming, Scripting
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
20 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Tsinghua University
Data Structures and Algorithms (I)
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Algorithms, Theoretical Computer Science, Spatial Analysis, Computational Thinking, Computational Logic, Computer Programming
3.1
Rating, 3.1 out of 5 stars
33 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Imperial College London
Building on the SIR Model
Skills you'll gain: Mathematical Modeling, Statistical Modeling, Simulations, Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases, R Programming, Public Health
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
23 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Cisco Learning and Certifications
DevOps for Network Automation (NetDevOps)
Skills you'll gain: Development Environment, Software Development Tools, Software Development Methodologies, CI/CD, DevOps, IT Automation, Version Control, Continuous Integration, Network Engineering, Network Architecture, Docker (Software), Software Development, Virtual Environment, Git (Version Control System), Waterfall Methodology, Agile Methodology
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
28 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Google Cloud
Developing Applications with Google Cloud: Foundations
Skills you'll gain: Cloud Applications, Application Deployment, Application Development, Authentications, Generative AI, Google Cloud Platform, Data Storage, Platform As A Service (PaaS), Cloud API, Authorization (Computing), CI/CD, Cloud Computing, Application Performance Management, Cloud Storage, Cloud Security, Serverless Computing, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Computer Programming Tools, Containerization
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
13 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
AI Agents in Java with Generative AI
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI Agents, Java, Agentic systems, Software Design, Artificial Intelligence, Software Architecture, OpenAI, ChatGPT, Software Development Tools, Application Development, Prompt Engineering, Systems Integration, Large Language Modeling
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
9 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Irvine
Games, Sensors and Media
Skills you'll gain: Apple iOS, iOS Development, Video Game Development, Swift Programming, Mobile Development, Geographic Information Systems, Game Design, Augmented Reality, Animation and Game Design, Interaction Design, Human Computer Interaction, User Interface (UI), Global Positioning Systems
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
55 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks