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
Generative AI with Vertex AI: Build a customer chatbot
Skills you'll gain: Cloud API, Google Cloud Platform, Text Mining, Application Programming Interface (API), Large Language Modeling, Generative AI, Natural Language Processing, Data Processing, Jupyter
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Coursera Project Network
أساسيات تحليل البيانات باستخدام بايثون وباندا
Skills you'll gain: Pandas (Python Package), Data Analysis, Data Cleansing, Graphing, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Manipulation, Matplotlib, Jupyter, Data Literacy, NumPy, Python Programming
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
35 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free
DeepLearning.AI
Red Teaming LLM Applications
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Penetration Testing, Vulnerability Assessments, Security Testing, Large Language Modeling, Threat Modeling, Cyber Security Assessment, Application Security
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
40 reviews
Beginner · Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Edureka
Generative AI Applications and Popular Tools
Skills you'll gain: ChatGPT, Generative AI, Computer Vision, Image Analysis, OpenAI, Prompt Engineering, Large Language Modeling, Software Development Tools, GitHub, Natural Language Processing, Application Programming Interface (API)
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
7 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Scrimba
Intro to Claude AI
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, OpenAI, ChatGPT, Generative AI, Large Language Modeling, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Applications, Application Programming Interface (API), Data Ethics, Application Deployment, Image Analysis
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
7 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
SQL CASE Statements
Skills you'll gain: PostgreSQL, SQL, Query Languages, Data Transformation, Data Manipulation, Database Development
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
30 reviews
Advanced · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Mastering Software Development in R Capstone
Skills you'll gain: Software Documentation, Leaflet (Software), Data Manipulation, Data Cleansing, Package and Software Management, Data Visualization Software, R Programming, GitHub, Geospatial Mapping, Continuous Integration, Software Technical Review, Software Testing
4
Rating, 4 out of 5 stars
44 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
LearnQuest
Front-End Developer
Skills you'll gain: Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), Restful API, Web Services, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), HTML and CSS, Java Platform Enterprise Edition (J2EE), Software Design, Extensible Markup Language (XML), Application Programming Interface (API), API Design, JSON, Service Oriented Architecture, Software Architecture, Java, Web Design and Development, Front-End Web Development, Server Side, Web Applications, User Interface (UI)
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
30 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Codio
Object-Oriented Java: Inheritance and Encapsulation
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Java, Computer Programming, Data Validation, Maintainability
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
20 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
L&T EduTech
AI Principles with Edge Computing
Skills you'll gain: Artificial Intelligence, Internet Of Things, Unsupervised Learning, Python Programming, Deep Learning, Applied Machine Learning, Machine Learning, Image Analysis, Artificial Neural Networks, Reinforcement Learning, Computer Vision, Supervised Learning, Emerging Technologies, Solution Architecture, Natural Language Processing
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Clemson University
Design and Analysis of Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Graph Theory, Data Structures, Algorithms, Theoretical Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Applied Mathematics, Combinatorics, Performance Testing, Computer Science, Computer Programming, Design Strategies, Probability, Probability Distribution
Build toward a degree
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
30 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Duke University
Python Scripting
Skills you'll gain: Command-Line Interface, Scripting, IT Automation, Computer Programming Tools, Python Programming
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours