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.

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Find the Best C Programming Course for Your Goals

Google Cloud
Exploring and Preparing Your Data with BigQuery - Português
Skills you'll gain: Data Transformation, Data Cleansing, Big Data, Google Cloud Platform, Cloud Infrastructure, Data Analysis, SQL, Analytics, Data Quality, Query Languages, Data Storage
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Advanced JavaScript & Object-Oriented Programming
Skills you'll gain: Application Development, Javascript, Web Applications, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), JSON, Application Programming Interface (API), Event-Driven Programming, Prototyping, Data Storage, Debugging
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Packt
Natural Language Processing - Probability Models in Python
Skills you'll gain: Natural Language Processing, Text Mining, Scikit Learn (Machine Learning Library), Dimensionality Reduction, Statistical Machine Learning, Unsupervised Learning, Python Programming, Bayesian Statistics, NumPy, Supervised Learning, Machine Learning
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Google Cloud
Securing and Integrating Components of Your App - Español
Skills you'll gain: Cloud Applications, Application Development, Google Cloud Platform, API Gateway, Cloud API, Cloud-Based Integration, Serverless Computing, Authentications, Identity and Access Management, Secure Coding, Microservices, Node.JS, Event-Driven Programming, Authorization (Computing), Natural Language Processing
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera
Gonzo's Test Course 2
Skills you'll gain: Engineering, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Engineering Practices, General Science and Research, Physical Science, Science and Research
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Packt
Mastering WidgetKit in SwiftUI 4, iOS 16 with Dynamic Island
Skills you'll gain: Apple iOS, Swift Programming, Apple Xcode, Mobile Development, Cross Platform Development, User Interface (UI), Application Programming Interface (API), Real Time Data, Data Modeling
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Packt
Semantic Kernel SDK for Intelligent Applications
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Large Language Modeling, ChatGPT, OpenAI, Generative AI, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Development Tools, Artificial Intelligence, Business Logic, Application Development, Persona (User Experience), Full-Stack Web Development, Automation
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Agentic AI Fundamentals with LangChain and LangGraph
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI Agents, Agentic systems, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Artificial Intelligence, Large Language Modeling, Prompt Engineering, Reinforcement Learning, Applied Machine Learning
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Packt
Shiny for Python Ultimate - Web Development with Python
Skills you'll gain: User Interface (UI), Data Visualization Software, Interactive Data Visualization, UI/UX Strategy, Application Deployment, Web Applications, Data Analysis, Front-End Web Development, Back-End Web Development, Dashboard, Spatial Data Analysis, Web Development, Application Development, Development Environment
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Packt
Hands-on with Cisco Modeling Labs 2 (CML2)
Skills you'll gain: VMware ESX Servers, Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN), Network Model, Software Installation, Command-Line Interface, Network Routers, Virtualization, Network Troubleshooting, Local Area Networks, Virtual Environment, General Networking, System Configuration, Simulations, Remote Access Systems, Application Programming Interface (API), System Requirements, Graphical Tools
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Packt
Matrix Calculus for Data Science & Machine Learning
Skills you'll gain: Calculus, Applied Mathematics, NumPy, Linear Algebra, Applied Machine Learning, Tensorflow, Machine Learning, Derivatives, Algorithms, Development Environment
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Google Cloud
Vector Search and Embeddings - 繁體中文
Skills you'll gain: Large Language Modeling, Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Google Cloud Platform, Natural Language Processing, Application Programming Interface (API), Algorithms
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks