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

Coursera Project Network
Python for Data Visualization: Matplotlib & Seaborn
Skills you'll gain: Matplotlib, Histogram, Plot (Graphics), Data Visualization, Seaborn, Scatter Plots, Data Visualization Software, Statistical Visualization, Graphing
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
67 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Data Science Methods for Quality Improvement
Skills you'll gain: Process Capability, Statistical Inference, Correlation Analysis, Probability Distribution, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Visualization, Descriptive Statistics, Sampling (Statistics), Statistical Process Controls, Statistics, Data Visualization, Probability & Statistics, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Data Analysis, Scientific Visualization, Systems Analysis, Data Literacy, Data Analysis Software, R Programming, Quality Control
Build toward a degree
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
49 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
MathWorks
Deep Learning for Object Detection
Skills you'll gain: Computer Vision, Image Analysis, Deep Learning, Matlab, Data Visualization, Applied Machine Learning, Machine Learning Methods, Data Analysis, Performance Tuning
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
10 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Universidad de los Andes
Introducción al análisis de sistemas de control con MATLAB
Skills you'll gain: Control Systems, Mathematical Modeling, Matlab, Systems Analysis, Simulations, Systems Design, Differential Equations, Applied Mathematics, Linear Algebra
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
48 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Michigan
Introducción al HTML5
Skills you'll gain: Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Web Design, Web Design and Development, Usability, Web Applications, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Web Content, Verification And Validation
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
43 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Infosec
OWASP Top 10 - Welcome and Risks 1-5
Skills you'll gain: Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Vulnerability Assessments, Application Security, Secure Coding, Security Controls, Cybersecurity, Authorization (Computing), Cryptography, System Configuration, Encryption, Software Design, SQL
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
69 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
SkillUp EdTech
React Native: Developing Android and iOS Apps
Skills you'll gain: React Native, Mobile Development, Cross Platform Development, iOS Development, Android Development, React Redux, UI Components, Development Environment, Debugging, Data Storage Technologies, Software Testing, Data Validation, Performance Tuning
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
15 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Codio
Java Basic Structures: Arrays, Strings, and Files
Skills you'll gain: Data Import/Export, Java Programming, Java, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Data Structures, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), File Management
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
41 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Backend Development and API Creation
Skills you'll gain: Node.JS, Back-End Web Development, Server Side, Full-Stack Web Development, MongoDB, Authentications, Development Environment, Cloud API, Restful API, Application Programming Interface (API), User Accounts, Middleware, JavaScript Frameworks, User Requirements Documents, Authorization (Computing), User Story, Software Development Tools, Encryption, Data Validation
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
15 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Packt
Mastering Multi-Agent Development with AutoGen
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI Agents, Agentic systems, OpenAI, Artificial Intelligence, API Gateway, Development Environment, Automation, Prompt Engineering, Application Development, Python Programming, Human Machine Interfaces
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
9 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
SkillUp EdTech
Mobile App Development Capstone Project
Skills you'll gain: Mobile Development, React Native, iOS Development, User Story, Flutter (Software), Android Development, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, User Interface (UI), Figma (Design Software), Application Deployment, UI Components, Application Programming Interface (API), GitHub, Data Storage
5
Rating, 5 out of 5 stars
12 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Amazon Web Services
Introduction to AWS Cloud Careers
Skills you'll gain: Public Cloud, Cloud Computing Architecture, Cloud Computing, Application Programming Interface (API), Cloud Services, Scalability, Cloud Platforms, Amazon Web Services, Infrastructure As A Service (IaaS), Technical Services, Systems Administration, Solution Architecture, Security Engineering
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
74 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks