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

University of Colorado System
Data Structures and Design Patterns for Game Developers
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Design, Unity Engine, Game Design, Software Design Patterns, Data Structures, C# (Programming Language), Video Game Development, Graph Theory, Computer Programming, Software Architecture, Algorithms
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
149 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Front-End Development Capstone Project
Skills you'll gain: HTML and CSS, React.js, Front-End Web Development, Mockups, Web Design and Development, Web Development, Figma (Design Software), Web Design, UI Components, Application Deployment, Web Analytics and SEO, Databases, GitHub
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
53 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Imperial College London
Advanced App Development in Android
Skills you'll gain: Virtual Reality, Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Computer Graphics, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Virtual Environment, Logo Design, Android Development, Augmented Reality, Computer Graphic Techniques, Application Development, Graphics Software, Animation and Game Design, Mobile Development, Interactive Design, Linear Algebra
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
126 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Rice University
Best Practices in Planning DE&I Interventions
Skills you'll gain: Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, Diversity Programs, Diversity Training, Human Resource Strategy, Employee Retention, Human Resources, Recruitment Strategies, Workforce Development, Organizational Effectiveness, Plan Execution, Talent Acquisition, Communication Strategies
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
58 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Amazon
Database Management with Java and SQL
Skills you'll gain: SQL, Database Management, MySQL, Relational Databases, Database Systems, Query Languages, Databases, Database Application, Database Design, Data Access, Java, User Interface (UI)
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
17 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Modeling and Control of Single-Phase Rectifiers and Inverters
Skills you'll gain: Power Electronics, Control Systems, Electrical Power, Electric Power Systems, Electronic Systems, Electrical Engineering, Mathematical Modeling, Simulation and Simulation Software, Matlab
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
34 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Back-end Application Development Capstone Project
Skills you'll gain: NoSQL, MongoDB, Flask (Web Framework), Application Deployment, IBM Cloud, Databases, Back-End Web Development, Database Systems, Django (Web Framework), Cloud Development, OpenShift, Cloud Applications, Microservices, Kubernetes, Web Applications, Containerization, Application Development, Web Services, Restful API, Scalability
5
Rating, 5 out of 5 stars
36 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Moneyball and Beyond
Skills you'll gain: Analytics, Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Probability & Statistics, Statistics, Python Programming, Data Manipulation
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
51 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Project Network
Performing Data Aggregation using SQL Aggregate Functions
Skills you'll gain: SQL, MySQL, Data Access, PostgreSQL
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
79 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Applying Data Analytics in Accounting
Skills you'll gain: Internal Controls, Data Visualization, Robotic Process Automation, Accounting and Finance Software, Auditing, Internal Auditing, Alteryx, Financial Auditing, Accounting, Business Process Automation, Analytics, Automation, Text Mining, R Programming, Blockchain, Natural Language Processing, Process Analysis
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
66 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
EDUCBA
ARM Cortex (STM32) Fundamentals: Building Embedded Systems
Skills you'll gain: Embedded Systems, Embedded Software, C (Programming Language), Programming Principles, Hardware Architecture, Computer Architecture, Debugging, Peripheral Devices
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
36 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
New York Institute of Finance
Future Development in Supply Chain Finance and Blockchain Technology
Skills you'll gain: Blockchain, FinTech, Transaction Processing, Supply Chain, Emerging Technologies, Business Technologies, Payment Processing, Distributed Computing, Interoperability, Data Sharing
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
97 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks