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

Coursera Project Network
Python Scripting for DevOps
Skills you'll gain: Scripting, Scripting Languages, Python Programming, Computer Programming Tools, Devops Tools, Data Structures, Programming Principles, Program Development
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
24 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
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
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
Akamai Technologies, Inc.
Managing Relational Databases
Skills you'll gain: SQL, Database Management, Relational Databases, Database Systems, Database Design, Database Theory, Data Manipulation, Query Languages, Data Management, Data Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
24 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Deploy a website to Azure with Azure App Service
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Azure, CI/CD, Continuous Deployment, Development Environment, Application Deployment, Cloud Applications, Docker (Software), Containerization, ASP.NET, Platform As A Service (PaaS), Scalability, Microsoft Visual Studio, Web Applications, Integrated Development Environments
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
32 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Politics and Ethics of Data Analytics in the Public Sector
Skills you'll gain: Data Ethics, Policy Analysis, Political Sciences, Data Analysis, Public Policies, Analytics, Data Presentation, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Ethical Standards And Conduct, R Programming, Predictive Modeling, Applied Machine Learning
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
15 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Learn to Code with Ruby
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Design, Ruby (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Software Design, Debugging, Unit Testing, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Test Tools, Scripting Languages, File Management, Development Environment, Software Testing, Development Testing, Data Structures, Scripting, Program Development, Software Installation, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
11 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
The State University of New York
Decentralized Finance (DeFi) for Everyone
Skills you'll gain: Digital Assets, Blockchain, Market Liquidity, FinTech, Financial Market, Cryptography, Cryptographic Protocols, Financial Systems, Distributed Computing, Governance, Identity and Access Management, Market Data, Financial Regulation, Asset Management, Web Applications, Transaction Processing, Payment Systems, Financial Services, Emerging Technologies, Investments
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Instituto Tecnológico de Aeronáutica
Introdução ao Controle Moderno
Skills you'll gain: Control Systems, Matlab, Engineering Analysis, Simulations, Systems Analysis, System Design and Implementation, Mathematical Modeling, Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Estimation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
51 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Epic Games
User Interface in Game Design
Skills you'll gain: Unreal Engine, User Interface (UI) Design, UI Components, Game Design, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Programming Principles, Prototyping, Motion Graphics
3.9
Rating, 3.9 out of 5 stars
14 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
SkillUp EdTech
Get Started with iOS App Development
Skills you'll gain: iOS Development, Swift Programming, Apple Xcode, Apple iOS, Mobile Development, Application Development, Integrated Development Environments, Data Management, Data Structures, Git (Version Control System), Debugging
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
23 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Edureka
Gen AI for Code Generation for Python
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Generative AI, Scenario Testing, Code Review, Python Programming, Test Case, ChatGPT, Application Development, Automation, Debugging
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
12 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks