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

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Find the Best C Programming Course for Your Goals

Status: Free Trial
IBM
Agentic AI with LangGraph, CrewAI, AutoGen and BeeAI
Skills you'll gain:
Intermediate · Course
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Complete ASP.NET Core and Entity Framework Development
Skills you'll gain: GitHub, Model View Controller, ASP.NET, Application Deployment, Git (Version Control System), Microsoft Azure, Cloud Applications, Software Architecture, Database Development, .NET Framework, Scalability, C# (Programming Language), Version Control, Authentications, User Interface (UI), Back-End Web Development, Bootstrap (Front-End Framework), Database Management, Database Design, Software Design
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
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
Coursera Project Network
Configura APIs en Node.js: Crea aplicaciones backend
Skills you'll gain: Authentications, Node.JS, Back-End Web Development, API Design, Application Programming Interface (API), Secure Coding, Server Side, Restful API, Software Architecture, Web Applications, Software Development, Debugging, JSON, Maintainability, Middleware
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Finalizing the Windmill and Integrating with Unreal Engine 5
Skills you'll gain: 3D Modeling, Unreal Engine, Unity Engine, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Animations, Computer Graphics, Animation and Game Design, Video Game Development
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
H2O.ai
H2O Generative AI Starter Track
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, Document Management, Artificial Intelligence, Technical Communication, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Application Programming Interface (API), Configuration Management
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Board Infinity
Deploying and Scaling iOS Applications
Skills you'll gain: Apple iOS, Apple Xcode, Secure Coding, iOS Development, Core Data (Software), Application Deployment, Swift Programming, Scalability, Performance Tuning, Application Programming Interface (API), API Design, JSON, Application Security, Encryption, Application Performance Management, Performance Testing, Debugging
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Board Infinity
Introduction to JUnit
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Eclipse (Software), Java Programming, Development Environment, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Unit Testing, Debugging, Virtual Machines
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
SkillUp EdTech
UI/UX Wireframing and Prototyping with Figma
Skills you'll gain: Wireframing, Prototyping, Usability Testing, Figma (Design Software), User Interface (UI) Design, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, User Experience Design, UI Components, Interactive Design, Mobile Development, Mockups, Responsive Web Design, User Flows, Style Guides, Animations
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Packt
Intro to AngularJS
Skills you'll gain: Ajax, JavaScript Frameworks, Web Applications, Javascript, Model View Controller, Event-Driven Programming, Application Frameworks, JSON, UI Components, HTML and CSS, Data Mapping, Routing Protocols, Restful API
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Google Cloud
Achieving Advanced Insights with BigQuery - Français
Skills you'll gain: SQL, Big Data, Database Architecture and Administration, Database Design, Data Access, Performance Tuning, Data Warehousing, Data Security, Data Manipulation, Data Structures, Cloud Computing, Scalability
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Coursera Instructor Network
GenAI for Compliance Officers: Streamline Regulatory Reports
Skills you'll gain: Compliance Reporting, Prompt Engineering, Compliance Management, Microsoft Copilot, Generative AI, Regulatory Compliance, Workflow Management, Business Process Automation, Data Validation, Operational Efficiency, Artificial Intelligence, Verification And Validation, Automation
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks