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 Variables and Data Types
Skills you'll gain: TypeScript, Programming Principles, Web Development Tools, Javascript, Web Language
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
97 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Capstone: Analyzing (Social) Network Data
Skills you'll gain: Network Analysis, Graph Theory, Technical Communication, Data Structures, Social Sciences, Analytical Skills, Algorithms, Analysis, Computer Science, Research
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
99 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Packt
Building Autonomous AI Agents with LangGraph
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI Agents, Agentic systems, OpenAI, Artificial Intelligence, ChatGPT, Generative AI, Query Languages, User Interface (UI), Prompt Engineering, Large Language Modeling, Software Architecture, UI Components, Natural Language Processing, Python Programming, Human Machine Interfaces, Application Frameworks, Automation, Development Environment
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Gameplay en videojuegos
Skills you'll gain: Video Game Development, Game Design, Unity Engine, Animation and Game Design, User Interface (UI), Usability, Computer Graphics, Multimedia, C# (Programming Language), Scripting
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
109 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Operationalizing LLMs on Azure
Skills you'll gain: Large Language Modeling, Prompt Engineering, Microsoft Azure, OpenAI, Risk Management Framework, MLOps (Machine Learning Operations), Software Architecture, Generative AI, Application Deployment, Artificial Intelligence, GitHub, Application Programming Interface (API), Scalability
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
35 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Introduction to JavaScript
Skills you'll gain: Javascript, User Interface (UI), Web Development, Web Development Tools, Scripting, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
102 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Edureka
Applied Data Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Power BI, Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), Data Visualization, Exploratory Data Analysis, Matplotlib, Data Visualization Software, Web Scraping, Probability Distribution, Predictive Modeling, Seaborn, Statistical Visualization, SQL, Plotly, Interactive Data Visualization, Statistical Inference, Pandas (Python Package), Database Management, Data Analysis, Data Presentation, Databases
3.9
Rating, 3.9 out of 5 stars
8 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Coursera Project Network
Github CoPilot for Beginners: Write Software With AI
Skills you'll gain: Responsive Web Design, HTML and CSS, Web Design and Development, UI Components, Prompt Engineering, Web Development, Generative AI, GitHub, Javascript, Artificial Intelligence
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
65 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Coursera Project Network
Create a High-Fidelity Prototype with Figma
Skills you'll gain: Prototyping, User Interface (UI) Design, Figma (Design Software), Mobile Development, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, Mockups, Collaborative Software
3.8
Rating, 3.8 out of 5 stars
13 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Meta
iOS App Capstone
Skills you'll gain: Swift Programming, Apple iOS, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, User Interface (UI), Git (Version Control System), Apple Xcode, Mobile Development, User Experience, Wireframing, Application Development, Application Deployment
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
32 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of London
Responsive Website Development and Design Capstone
Skills you'll gain: User Experience Design, Wireframing, Persona (User Experience), Ideation, Technical Communication, Prototyping, Web Development, User Research, Software Development Life Cycle, Usability Testing, Web Design, Application Development, Responsive Web Design, Version Control, Brainstorming, Application Programming Interface (API)
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
65 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Infosec
Python for Active Defense
Skills you'll gain: Cyber Threat Hunting, Threat Detection, System Monitoring, Cybersecurity, Cyber Operations, Continuous Monitoring, Network Security, Endpoint Security, Network Monitoring, Scripting
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
76 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks