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: New
Packt
WebSockets Protocol Explained – Master Web Development
Skills you'll gain: TCP/IP, Network Protocols, Application Programming Interface (API), Ajax, Web Development, General Networking, Web Servers, Web Applications, Javascript, Scalability, Event-Driven Programming, Server Side, Real Time Data, Network Analysis
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Object-Oriented Analysis & Design
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Design, Unified Modeling Language, JUnit, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Test Driven Development (TDD), Software Design Patterns, Software Design, Software Engineering, Java, Unit Testing, Software Testing, Software Architecture, Java Programming, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Development Testing, API Design, Test Case, Program Development, Model View Controller, Software Development
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
8 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Análisis de sistemas térmicos usando Python
Skills you'll gain: Thermal Management, Python Programming, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Analysis, Chemical Engineering, Numerical Analysis, Process Analysis, Computer Programming Tools, Engineering Calculations, Plot (Graphics), Scientific Visualization
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Advanced Flutter UI and State Management
Skills you'll gain: Flutter (Software), User Interface (UI), User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, JSON, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Mobile Development, Data Structures, Debugging
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Starweaver
Revolutionizing Finance: Mastering Blockchain Foundations
Skills you'll gain: Blockchain, Ledgers (Accounting), FinTech, Payment Systems, Digital Assets, Financial Trading, Financial Market, Financial Services, Financial Systems, Transaction Processing, Emerging Technologies, Cryptography, Application Development, Computer Programming Tools
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Illinois Tech
Introduction to Data Science Techniques
Skills you'll gain: Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Statistical Analysis, Data Analysis, Machine Learning Algorithms, Data Visualization, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Presentation, Statistical Methods, Statistical Machine Learning, Statistical Reporting, Statistical Modeling, Data Cleansing, Forecasting, Applied Machine Learning, Analytics, Regression Analysis, R Programming, Machine Learning, Statistical Software, Data Science
Build toward a degree
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
13 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Advanced Web Exploits, Python Scripting & Network Attacks
Skills you'll gain: Penetration Testing, OSI Models, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), TCP/IP, Network Security, General Networking, Cybersecurity, Large Language Modeling, Prompt Engineering, Vulnerability Assessments, Web Applications, Scripting, Generative AI, Python Programming, SQL, MySQL
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Board Infinity
Salesforce Omnistudio
Skills you'll gain: Spring Framework, Scalability, Software Architecture, Maintainability, Java, Dependency Analysis, Software Design Patterns, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Testability, Transaction Processing
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Database Management and Core Application Development
Skills you'll gain: ASP.NET, Database Development, C# (Programming Language), Back-End Web Development, Database Management, Database Design, Object-Relational Mapping, Application Frameworks, Model View Controller, Web Applications, Software Design Patterns, Authentications, Maintainability, Business Logic, Authorization (Computing), Data Modeling, Performance Tuning, Data Migration, Data Mapping, Data Validation
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Universidad de los Andes
Maestría en Gerencia de Tecnologías de Información
Skills you'll gain:
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years
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
Ultimate TypeScript Course 2024 – Learn, Build & Excel
Skills you'll gain: TypeScript, React.js, Webpack, Angular, Web Development Tools, JavaScript Frameworks, Development Environment, Debugging, Javascript, Vue.JS, Event-Driven Programming, Node.JS, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Validation
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months