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
Coursera Project Network
TypeScript Operators
Skills you'll gain: TypeScript, Computational Logic, Other Programming Languages, Programming Principles, Data Structures
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
24 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology(KAIST)
Practical Python for AI Coding 2
Skills you'll gain: Matplotlib, Data Visualization, Tensorflow, NumPy, Pandas (Python Package), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Seaborn, Python Programming, Keras (Neural Network Library), Artificial Intelligence, Scikit Learn (Machine Learning Library), Data Manipulation, Development Environment
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
26 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Project Network
Scikit-Learn to Solve Regression Machine Learning Problems
Skills you'll gain: Scikit Learn (Machine Learning Library), Predictive Modeling, Regression Analysis, Machine Learning Algorithms, Applied Machine Learning, Predictive Analytics, Python Programming, Machine Learning, Random Forest Algorithm
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
7 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Google Cloud
Developing Applications with Cloud Run Functions on Google Cloud
Skills you'll gain: Google Cloud Platform, Serverless Computing, Cloud Development, Cloud Applications, Cloud API, Application Deployment, Cloud Security, Application Development, Event-Driven Programming, Operational Databases, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Identity and Access Management, Encryption, Scalability
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
9 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Ruby Fundamentals and Basic Programming Concepts
Skills you'll gain: Ruby (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Computer Programming, Development Environment, Software Installation, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, Debugging, Command-Line Interface
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Codio
Select Topics in Python
Skills you'll gain: Matplotlib, Version Control, Text Mining, GitHub, Large Language Modeling, Django (Web Framework), Package and Software Management, Platform As A Service (PaaS), Plot (Graphics), Application Deployment, Object-Relational Mapping, Natural Language Processing, Data Visualization Software, Data Visualization, Jupyter, Development Environment, Data Processing, Virtual Environment, Data Transformation, Dependency Analysis
4
Rating, 4 out of 5 stars
22 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Project Network
Importing Data into R
Skills you'll gain: Web Scraping, Relational Databases, Statistical Software, Data Import/Export, R Programming, MySQL, Data Capture, Microsoft Excel
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
19 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Meta
Conceptos básicos de React
Skills you'll gain: Mobile Development, React.js, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), UI Components, Web Applications, Javascript, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Debugging
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
16 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Google Cloud
Service Orchestration and Choreography on Google Cloud
Skills you'll gain: Microservices, Google Cloud Platform, Cloud Applications, Software Architecture, Cloud Development, Event-Driven Programming, Serverless Computing, Service Oriented Architecture, Cloud Computing Architecture, Systems Architecture, Scalability
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Coding and Automation for Data Analysis with Generative AI
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, Excel Formulas, Generative AI, Data Pipelines, Data Ethics, Data Processing, Teradata SQL, Debugging, Microsoft Excel, Automation, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analysis, Integrated Development Environments
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Project Network
Lambda Expressions with Java
Skills you'll gain: Eclipse (Software), Java, Java Programming, Functional Design
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
19 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Howard University
Introduction to Linear Algebra and Python
Skills you'll gain: Linear Algebra, Applied Mathematics, NumPy, Mathematical Software, Data Visualization Software, Jupyter, Mathematical Modeling, Data Science, Python Programming, Data Analysis, Git (Version Control System)
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
15 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks