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
Board Infinity
Building React and ASP.NET MVC 5 Applications
Skills you'll gain: ASP.NET, Restful API, .NET Framework, React.js, Data Integration, Responsive Web Design, C# (Programming Language), Secure Coding, Web Applications, Application Programming Interface (API), Front-End Web Development, JavaScript Frameworks, UI Components, Web Services, Javascript, JSON, Server Side, Object-Relational Mapping, Application Frameworks, Back-End Web Development
4
Rating, 4 out of 5 stars
43 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
The University of Edinburgh
برمج بنفسك! مقدمة حول البرمجة
Skills you'll gain: Software Engineering, Programming Principles, Software Development, Computer Programming, Event-Driven Programming, Software Documentation, Software Testing, Computational Thinking, Algorithms, Animation and Game Design
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
26 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
LearnQuest
Test-Driven Development Overview
Skills you'll gain: Test Driven Development (TDD), Unit Testing, Code Review, Maintainability, Software Testing, Integration Testing, Debugging, Software Development, Python Programming
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
59 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Teaching Impacts of Technology: Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Computer Science, Information Technology, Computational Thinking, Technology Solutions, Geospatial Information and Technology, Computer Networking, Technical Communication, Media and Communications, Digital Communications, Mobile Development, Culture, Data Centers, Algorithms, Global Positioning Systems, Data Analysis Software, Graph Theory
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
36 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
LearnQuest
Python Scripting: Files, Inheritance, and Databases
Skills you'll gain: Plot (Graphics), Pandas (Python Package), NumPy, Scripting, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Python Programming, Scripting Languages, Database Application, Databases, Object Oriented Design, Data Import/Export, Computer Programming Tools, File Management, Debugging
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
19 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Data Structures and Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Graph Theory, Data Structures, Microsoft Copilot, .NET Framework, Algorithms, Back-End Web Development, C# (Programming Language), Performance Tuning, Programming Principles, Microsoft Development Tools, Scalability
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Database Integration and Management
Skills you'll gain: SQL, Relational Databases, Microsoft Copilot, Database Management, Transaction Processing, Query Languages, Database Design, Databases, Object-Relational Mapping, Performance Tuning, Data Integrity, Data Modeling, Data Security
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Design a mobile app interface with Moqups
Skills you'll gain: Mockups, User Flows, Wireframing, Interaction Design, Mobile Development, User Interface (UI), User Experience Design, Usability
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
51 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Edureka
Rust Programming Essentials
Skills you'll gain: Rust (Programming Language), Development Environment, Package and Software Management, Web Development Tools, Software Design Patterns, System Programming, Debugging, Program Development, Performance Tuning, Command-Line Interface, Data Structures
3.2
Rating, 3.2 out of 5 stars
13 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Scrimba
HTML & CSS Crash Course
Skills you'll gain: HTML and CSS, Responsive Web Design, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), File Management, Web Design, Front-End Web Development, Web Development
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
47 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Illinois Tech
Introduction to Relational Databases
Skills you'll gain: Database Systems, Relational Databases, Database Management, Database Theory, Databases, SQL, Database Design, Database Management Systems, Database Architecture and Administration, Data Access, Query Languages, Data Modeling, Data Manipulation, User Accounts
Build toward a degree
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
28 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Create a Database with the Modeling Tool in MySQL Workbench
Skills you'll gain: MySQL Workbench, Database Design, MySQL, Relational Databases, Database Management, Databases, Database Management Systems, SQL, Data Modeling, Data Import/Export
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
62 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours