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
University of California, Davis
Exploiting and Securing Vulnerabilities in Java Applications
Skills you'll gain: Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), Authentications, Penetration Testing, Application Security, Vulnerability Assessments, Secure Coding, Authorization (Computing), Java, Dependency Analysis, Docker (Software), JSON, Git (Version Control System)
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
65 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Data Science Coding Challenge: Loan Default Prediction
Skills you'll gain: Applied Machine Learning, Jupyter, Data Processing, Predictive Modeling, Machine Learning, Predictive Analytics, Data Manipulation, Data Science, Python Programming
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
91 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
LearnQuest
iOS App Store & In-App Purchases
Skills you'll gain: Apple iOS, iOS Development, Transaction Processing, Software As A Service, Mobile Development, User Interface (UI), UI Components, Payment Systems, User Experience
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
88 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Visualizing Filters of a CNN using TensorFlow
Skills you'll gain: Tensorflow, Applied Machine Learning, Python Programming, Jupyter, Artificial Neural Networks, Deep Learning, Computer Vision, Scientific Visualization
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
78 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
IBM
JavaScript Full Stack Capstone Project
Skills you'll gain: CI/CD, Full-Stack Web Development, MongoDB, Application Deployment, Cloud Applications, Node.JS, React.js, DevOps, NoSQL, Database Management, Kubernetes, JavaScript Frameworks, Front-End Web Development, Software Architecture, Application Development, Web Applications, Authorization (Computing), Back-End Web Development, Restful API, Application Programming Interface (API)
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
29 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Deploying Machine Learning Models
Skills you'll gain: Data Manipulation, Applied Machine Learning, Flask (Web Framework), Application Deployment, Django (Web Framework), Web Applications, Data Processing, Predictive Modeling, Machine Learning, Regression Analysis
3.5
Rating, 3.5 out of 5 stars
51 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Project Network
Optimization of SQL query Tuning and Performance
Skills you'll gain: SQL, Query Languages, Database Design, Performance Tuning, Database Management, Database Development, Databases, Data Access
3.1
Rating, 3.1 out of 5 stars
28 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Coursera Project Network
Java Built in Data Structures
Skills you'll gain: Java, Data Structures, Java Programming, Data Access, Data Cleansing
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
20 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
LearnQuest
Data Processing with Azure
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Azure, Big Data, Data Processing, Analytics, Data Pipelines, Databricks, Apache Spark, PySpark, Data Analysis, Data Warehousing, Extract, Transform, Load, Real Time Data, Data Transformation, Scheduling, Data Storage
3.7
Rating, 3.7 out of 5 stars
67 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Davis
Interactivity with JavaScript and jQuery
Skills you'll gain: Javascript and jQuery, jQuery, Scripting, Scripting Languages, Javascript, UI Components, Web Development Tools, Game Design, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Event-Driven Programming, Animations
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
63 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Social Computing
Skills you'll gain: Network Analysis, Graph Theory, Machine Learning, Applied Machine Learning, Social Sciences, Statistical Analysis, Amazon Web Services, R Programming, Tensorflow, Data Ethics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Research Design, Sociology, Human Machine Interfaces, Data Collection, Machine Learning Methods, Behavioral Economics, Analytics, Natural Language Processing, Game Design
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
8 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Minnesota
Advanced Models for Decision Making
Skills you'll gain: Operations Research, Supply Chain, Business Analytics, Mathematical Modeling, Manufacturing Operations, Workforce Planning, Microsoft Excel, Resource Allocation, Finance, Production Planning, Investment Management, Decision Making
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
53 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks