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.

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Find the Best C Programming Course for Your Goals

SAE Institute México
Inteligencia Artificial para personajes en Unreal Engine
Skills you'll gain: Unreal Engine, Animation and Game Design, 3D Modeling, Animations, Video Game Development, Game Design, Artificial Intelligence, Blueprinting, Computer Programming Tools
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Packt
Interactive Web Content Using AJAX and JSON in JavaScript
Skills you'll gain: Ajax, JSON, Javascript, Application Programming Interface (API), Web Development, Development Environment, Restful API, Web Applications, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), GitHub, Data Structures
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Google Cloud
Creating BigQuery Datasets, Visualizing Insights - Português
Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, SQL, Data Visualization Software, Data Integration, Data Import/Export, Data Warehousing, Query Languages, Data Analysis, Google Cloud Platform, Data Storage
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Packt
JavaScript Fundamentals & The DOM
Skills you'll gain: Javascript, Event-Driven Programming, Data Structures, Programming Principles, HTML and CSS, Web Design and Development, Web Applications, Web Development Tools, Debugging
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Advanced Web Exploits, Python Scripting & Network Attacks
Skills you'll gain: Penetration Testing, OSI Models, Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), TCP/IP, Network Security, General Networking, Cybersecurity, Prompt Engineering, Large Language Modeling, Vulnerability Assessments, Web Applications, Scripting, Generative AI, Python Programming, SQL, MySQL
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado System
Communicating Across Cultures for Team Success
Skills you'll gain: Conflict Management, Intercultural Competence, Team Building, Diversity and Inclusion, Cultural Diversity, Team Leadership, Collaboration, Active Listening, Communication, Empathy, Leadership, Non-Verbal Communication, Self-Awareness
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Advanced AJAX Techniques and Final Projects
Skills you'll gain: Server Side, Restful API, Ajax, Full-Stack Web Development, API Design, Node.JS, Postman API Platform, Web Applications, Application Programming Interface (API), Back-End Web Development, Web Servers, Web Development Tools, Web Development, Javascript, Front-End Web Development, Test Tools, JSON, Middleware
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Board Infinity
Advanced Kotlin for Multi-Platform Development
Skills you'll gain: Java Programming, Java, System Programming, OS Process Management, Debugging, Application Performance Management, Software Design Patterns, Operating Systems, Application Development, Algorithms, Development Testing
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Advanced jQuery Techniques and Interactivity
Skills you'll gain: jQuery, Javascript and jQuery, Animations, Interactive Design, HTML and CSS, Event-Driven Programming, Responsive Web Design, Debugging, Data Validation
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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
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