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

University of Maryland, College Park
Surviving Disruptive Technologies (On Demand)
Skills you'll gain: Emerging Technologies, Technology Strategies, Digital Transformation, Business Transformation, Social Media, Innovation, Organizational Change, Competitive Analysis, E-Commerce, Business Strategy
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
61 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Toronto
Build Your Own iOS App
Skills you'll gain: Apple iOS, Swift Programming, Mobile Development, Animations, Application Development, Computer Vision, Image Analysis, User Interface (UI) Design
3.2
Rating, 3.2 out of 5 stars
70 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Universidad de Palermo
Introduction to Java
Skills you'll gain: Eclipse (Software), Java, Java Programming, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Integrated Development Environments, Data Structures, Programming Principles, Algorithms, Computer Programming, Development Environment, Debugging
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Cloud Native, Microservices, Containers, DevOps and Agile
Skills you'll gain: Cloud-Native Computing, Docker (Software), Containerization, Microservices, Agile Methodology, DevOps, Agile Software Development, Kubernetes, CI/CD, Cloud Development, Agile Project Management, Hybrid Cloud Computing, Scrum (Software Development), Restful API, Continuous Delivery, Cloud Applications, Software Development Methodologies, Continuous Integration, Cloud Infrastructure, Postman API Platform
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
9 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Imperial College London
3D Graphics in Android: Sensors and VR
Skills you'll gain: Virtual Reality, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Virtual Environment, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Android Development, Computer Graphics, Animation and Game Design, Computer Graphic Techniques, Application Development, Interactive Design
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
15 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Analyze Data in a Model Car Database with MySQL Workbench
Skills you'll gain: MySQL Workbench, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Exploratory Data Analysis, MySQL, Business Analytics, Data Analysis, Database Design, SQL, Analytical Skills, Data Presentation, Technical Communication, Relational Databases
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
18 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
LearnQuest
Application Programming Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Software Design Patterns, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Object Oriented Design, Computational Thinking, Programming Principles, Algorithms, Software Architecture, Computer Programming, Python Programming, Model View Controller
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
36 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
EIT Digital
Geometric Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Geometry, Algorithms, Computer Graphics, Data Structures, Graph Theory, Spatial Data Analysis, Computational Thinking, Geographic Information Systems, Theoretical Computer Science, Spatial Analysis
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
24 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Howard University
Linear Algebra for Data Science Using Python
Skills you'll gain: Data Wrangling, Linear Algebra, Regression Analysis, Data Manipulation, NumPy, Predictive Modeling, Dimensionality Reduction, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Python Programming, Statistical Modeling, Mathematical Software, Supervised Learning, Data Visualization Software, Jupyter, Data Analysis, Scikit Learn (Machine Learning Library), Machine Learning Methods, Numerical Analysis, Algebra
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
32 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Managing, Describing, and Analyzing Data
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Inference, Probability Distribution, Statistical Analysis, Descriptive Statistics, Sampling (Statistics), Statistics, Probability & Statistics, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, R Programming, Data Analysis, Data Literacy, Probability, Statistical Visualization, Histogram
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
33 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Learn Selenium WebDriver with Java
Skills you'll gain: Selenium (Software), Java Programming, Java, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Eclipse (Software), JUnit, Test Automation, Test Tools, Development Environment, Web Development Tools, Integrated Development Environments, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Computer Programming, Extensible Markup Language (XML), Software Testing, Test Case, Programming Principles, Test Execution Engine, Javascript and jQuery, Regression Testing
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 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