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

Packt
Practical Quantum Computing with IBM Qiskit for Beginners
Skills you'll gain: IBM Cloud, Cryptography, Algorithms, Python Programming, Linear Algebra, Programming Principles, Computer Science, Theoretical Computer Science, Emerging Technologies, Test Case, Jupyter, Physics, Simulations, Software Installation, Debugging, Development Environment
Beginner · Course · 3 - 6 Months
EC-Council
Secure Full Stack MEAN Developer
Skills you'll gain: Node.JS, MongoDB, Angular, Full-Stack Web Development, JavaScript Frameworks, Restful API, Web Applications, Web Development, NoSQL, Front-End Web Development, Application Security, Web Development Tools, Web Servers, Application Programming Interface (API), Javascript, Back-End Web Development
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
88 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Duke University
Web Scraping with Python
Skills you'll gain: Web Scraping, Extensible Markup Language (XML), Scripting, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Web Development, Unstructured Data, Web Applications, Python Programming
3.2
Rating, 3.2 out of 5 stars
17 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Python para Ciencia de Datos
Skills you'll gain: Descriptive Analytics, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Analysis, Data Visualization Software, Predictive Analytics, Business Analytics, Database Management, Data Science, Relational Databases, Data Processing, Trend Analysis, Forecasting, Data Manipulation, Python Programming
3.8
Rating, 3.8 out of 5 stars
67 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Università di Napoli Federico II
Modelling and simulation of mechanical systems
Skills you'll gain: Model Based Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Control Systems, Computer Vision, Laboratory Experience, Simulations, Equipment Design, Matlab, Electronic Systems, Technical Design, Vibrations, Hydraulics, Automation
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
20 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Social Media Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Network Analysis, Data Visualization, Graph Theory, Relational Databases, Data Visualization Software, Data Storytelling, Data Analysis, Data Literacy, Social Sciences, Statistical Analysis, Machine Learning, R Programming, Analytical Skills, Data Manipulation, Facebook, Sociology, Natural Language Processing, Text Mining, Analytics, Trend Analysis
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
10 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Cisco Learning and Certifications
Ansible for Network Automation
Skills you'll gain: Ansible, YAML, Network Architecture, Network Administration, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Network Infrastructure, General Networking, Automation, System Configuration, Software Documentation, Configuration Management, Python Programming
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
24 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Duke University
GenAI and LLMs on AWS
Skills you'll gain: AWS SageMaker, Large Language Modeling, MLOps (Machine Learning Operations), Amazon Web Services, Personally Identifiable Information, Amazon CloudWatch, Continuous Monitoring, Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Data Ethics, Secure Coding, Prompt Engineering, Rust (Programming Language), Generative AI, Software Development Tools, Cloud Computing, Serverless Computing, Development Environment
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
20 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
SQL Window Functions for Analytics
Skills you'll gain: SQL, PostgreSQL, Query Languages, Database Management, Database Systems, Data Manipulation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
36 reviews
Advanced · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Fundação Instituto de Administração
Ciência de Dados para Finanças
Skills you'll gain: Big Data, Data Mining, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Visualization, FinTech, Data Visualization Software, Deep Learning, Data Modeling, R Programming, Predictive Analytics, Data Science, Data Analysis, Business Analytics, Data Processing, Analytics, Data Manipulation, Machine Learning, Financial Market, Business Intelligence, Data Structures
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
78 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Amazon Web Services
Amazon Bedrock - Getting Started with Generative AI
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Amazon Web Services, Large Language Modeling, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Artificial Intelligence, Cloud API, Application Programming Interface (API)
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
118 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Linux Embedded System Topics and Projects
Skills you'll gain: Agile Methodology, Scrum (Software Development), Software Testing, Embedded Systems, Software Development Methodologies, Docker (Software), Git (Version Control System), Containerization, System Programming, Linux, C++ (Programming Language), Internet Of Things, IBM WebSphere MQ, File Systems
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
9 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks