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
Johns Hopkins University
Neuroscience and Neuroimaging
Skills you'll gain: Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Neurology, Medical Imaging, Anatomy, Radiology, Image Analysis, Data Analysis, Analysis, Data Manipulation, Experimentation, R Programming, Statistical Analysis, Psychology, Network Analysis, Data Processing, Regression Analysis, Research Design, Scientific Visualization, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Matlab
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.3K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Data Structures
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Algorithms, Data Storage, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, C++ (Programming Language), Theoretical Computer Science, File Management
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
5.5K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Packt
Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming with Arduino
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), C++ (Programming Language), Computer Programming, Embedded Software, Integrated Development Environments, Embedded Systems, Game Design, Web Development
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University at Buffalo
Blockchain Basics
Skills you'll gain: Blockchain, Cryptography, Transaction Processing, Network Protocols, Encryption, Network Model, Data Structures, Distributed Computing, FinTech, Virtual Environment, Data Integrity, Emerging Technologies, Virtual Machines, Verification And Validation
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
7.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Advanced Object-Oriented & Generic Programming in C++
Skills you'll gain: C++ (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Software Design Patterns, Data Structures, Algorithms, File Systems, Debugging, Maintainability
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Introduction to Probability and Data with R
Skills you'll gain: Sampling (Statistics), Exploratory Data Analysis, Statistical Inference, Probability Distribution, Bayesian Statistics, R Programming, Data Analysis, Probability, Statistics, Statistical Software, Descriptive Statistics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
5.8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Heriot-Watt University
Learn Java Programming
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Java, Java Programming, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Software Development, Algorithms
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Introducción a Data Science: Programación Estadística con R
Skills you'll gain: R Programming, Statistical Programming, Ggplot2, Data Manipulation, Simulations, Statistical Software, Data Science, Data Visualization, Graphing, Programming Principles, Data Import/Export, Scripting, Data Structures, Software Installation, Package and Software Management
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
8.5K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Packt
Practical C++: Learn C++ Basics Step by Step
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), C++ (Programming Language), Development Environment, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Maintainability, Data Structures, Command-Line Interface, Debugging
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Status: AI skills
Meta
Meta Data Analyst
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Business Metrics, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Data Management, Data Collection, Data Governance, Bayesian Statistics, Data Analysis, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Information Privacy, Data Cleansing, Pandas (Python Package), Data Visualization Software, Statistical Inference, Spreadsheet Software, Correlation Analysis, Google Sheets, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Modeling
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Packt
C# Object-Oriented Programming for Beginners in C# and .NET
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Object Oriented Design, C# (Programming Language), Programming Principles, .NET Framework
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Packt
C++ 20 Mastery - Pure and Unfiltered
Skills you'll gain: C++ (Programming Language), System Programming, Performance Tuning, Algorithms, Debugging, Software Design, Data Structures
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months