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
Packt
Natural Language Processing with Real-World Projects
Skills you'll gain: Matplotlib, Natural Language Processing, Data Visualization, Deep Learning, Linear Algebra, Semantic Web, Seaborn, Python Programming, Machine Learning, NumPy, Supervised Learning, Pandas (Python Package), Artificial Neural Networks, Data Processing, Text Mining, Data Science, Unstructured Data, Applied Machine Learning, Markov Model, Dimensionality Reduction
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Coursera Project Network
Clean and analyze social media usage data with Python
Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization, Matplotlib, Marketing Analytics, Web Scraping, Social Media Marketing, Python Programming, Social Media, Pandas (Python Package), Text Mining, Trend Analysis, Data Analysis, Data Wrangling, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Cleansing, Jupyter
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
32 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
University of Cape Town
Doing Clinical Research: Biostatistics with the Wolfram Language
Skills you'll gain: Descriptive Statistics, Data Literacy, Exploratory Data Analysis, Plot (Graphics), Statistical Analysis, Statistical Visualization, Statistical Programming, Biostatistics, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Quantitative Research, Probability & Statistics, Deep Learning, Data Manipulation, Machine Learning
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
50 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Social Computing
Skills you'll gain: Network Analysis, Graph Theory, Machine Learning, Applied Machine Learning, Social Sciences, Statistical Analysis, Amazon Web Services, R Programming, Tensorflow, Data Ethics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Research Design, Sociology, Human Machine Interfaces, Data Collection, Machine Learning Methods, Behavioral Economics, Analytics, Natural Language Processing, Game Design
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
8 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
EIT Digital
Capstone: Autonomous Runway Detection for IoT
Skills you'll gain: Real-Time Operating Systems, Embedded Systems, Internet Of Things, System Requirements, Software Engineering, System Testing, Software Development, Verification And Validation, Integration Testing, Performance Testing, Secure Coding, Cloud-Based Integration, Systems Integration, IT Security Architecture, System Implementation, Requirements Analysis, Innovation, Encryption, Algorithms
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
68 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Learn to Code with Ruby
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Design, Ruby (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Software Design, Debugging, Unit Testing, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Test Tools, Scripting Languages, File Management, Development Environment, Software Testing, Development Testing, Data Structures, Scripting, Program Development, Software Installation, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
11 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Coursera Project Network
Pointers and Memory in C: Build a Rocket Display Module
Skills you'll gain: Embedded Systems, Embedded Software, C (Programming Language)
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
University of California, Santa Cruz
لغة البرمجة C++ لمبرمجي C، الجزء (ب)
Skills you'll gain: C++ (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Graph Theory, C (Programming Language), Artificial Intelligence, Algorithms, Debugging, Data Structures, Game Design, Software Design
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
EDUCBA
Introduction to Ethereum Blockchain
Skills you'll gain: Blockchain, Development Environment, Software Development Tools, Application Deployment, Transaction Processing, Front-End Web Development, Application Development, Event-Driven Programming, Development Testing, Software Development, Cryptography, Javascript
5
Rating, 5 out of 5 stars
42 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Project Development in Python
Skills you'll gain: DevOps, Agile Methodology, Docker (Software), Project Management, Needs Assessment, Prometheus (Software), Business Requirements, Project Planning, Jira (Software), Python Programming, Natural Language Processing, Portfolio Management, Communication, Professional Networking, Interviewing Skills
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
9 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Foundations of Data Analysis with Pandas and Python
Skills you'll gain: Data Import/Export, Pandas (Python Package), Pivot Tables And Charts, Jupyter, Microsoft Excel, Data Analysis, Data Manipulation, Python Programming, Data Structures, Integrated Development Environments, Development Environment, Software Installation, Object Oriented Programming (OOP)
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
17 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Clean Data in SQL using MySQL Workbench
Skills you'll gain: MySQL, MySQL Workbench, SQL, Data Cleansing, Query Languages, Data Manipulation, Database Management, Databases, Data Quality, Relational Databases, Data Entry
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
30 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours