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
Howard University
Introduction to Linear Algebra and Python
Skills you'll gain: Linear Algebra, Applied Mathematics, NumPy, Mathematical Software, Data Visualization Software, Jupyter, Mathematical Modeling, Data Science, Python Programming, Data Analysis, Git (Version Control System)
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
15 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Codio
Select Topics in Python
Skills you'll gain: Matplotlib, Version Control, Text Mining, GitHub, Large Language Modeling, Django (Web Framework), Package and Software Management, Platform As A Service (PaaS), Plot (Graphics), Application Deployment, Object-Relational Mapping, Natural Language Processing, Data Visualization Software, Data Visualization, Jupyter, Development Environment, Data Processing, Virtual Environment, Data Transformation, Dependency Analysis
4
Rating, 4 out of 5 stars
22 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Ruby Fundamentals and Basic Programming Concepts
Skills you'll gain: Ruby (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Computer Programming, Development Environment, Software Installation, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, Debugging, Command-Line Interface
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Google Cloud
Developing Applications with Cloud Run Functions on Google Cloud
Skills you'll gain: Google Cloud Platform, Serverless Computing, Cloud Development, Cloud Applications, Cloud API, Application Deployment, Cloud Security, Application Development, Event-Driven Programming, Operational Databases, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Identity and Access Management, Encryption, Scalability
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
9 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Project Network
Importing Data into R
Skills you'll gain: Web Scraping, Relational Databases, Statistical Software, Data Import/Export, R Programming, MySQL, Data Capture, Microsoft Excel
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
19 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
University of Pennsylvania
How to Use Data
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Data Presentation, Feature Engineering, Data Visualization Software, Unsupervised Learning, SQL, Data Analysis, Seaborn, Tableau Software, Predictive Modeling, Exploratory Data Analysis, Predictive Analytics, Analytics, Presentations, Interactive Data Visualization, Database Management, Verbal Communication Skills, Business Analytics, Decision Tree Learning, Classification And Regression Tree (CART)
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Ball State University
Introduction to Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Data Ethics, Data Collection, Probability & Statistics, Statistics, Data Visualization Software, R Programming, Data Science, Sampling (Statistics), Probability, Simulations, Data Wrangling, Analytical Skills, Data Analysis, Mathematical Theory & Analysis, General Mathematics, Statistical Analysis, Information Privacy, Regression Analysis, Arithmetic, Data Structures
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Università di Napoli Federico II
Python: Istruzioni per l’uso
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Python Programming, Computer Programming, Scripting Languages, Scripting, Programming Principles, Data Management, Functional Design, Debugging, Database Management, Data Structures, File Management, Databases
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
39 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
JavaScript Essentials For Beginners
Skills you'll gain: Javascript, Event-Driven Programming, Web Design and Development, Interactive Design, Web Applications, Interaction Design, Scripting, UI Components, Scripting Languages, Data Validation
3.8
Rating, 3.8 out of 5 stars
26 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
LearnQuest
Advanced Angular Development
Skills you'll gain: Angular, JavaScript Frameworks, Application Deployment, UI Components, Application Frameworks, Web Development Tools, Server Side, Application Programming Interface (API), Software Architecture, Maintainability, Performance Tuning
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Codio
Advanced Django: External APIs and Task Queuing
Skills you'll gain: Django (Web Framework), Application Programming Interface (API), Restful API, Application Frameworks, Web Development, GitHub, Development Environment, Version Control
5
Rating, 5 out of 5 stars
24 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Politecnico di Milano
Developing FPGA-accelerated cloud applications with SDAccel: Practice
Skills you'll gain: Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud, Cloud Applications, Bioinformatics, Cloud Computing Architecture, Cloud Computing, Algorithms, Development Environment, Performance Tuning, Hardware Architecture, System Design and Implementation
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
26 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months