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 Trial
LearnQuest
Application Programming Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Software Design Patterns, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Object Oriented Design, Computational Thinking, Programming Principles, Algorithms, Software Architecture, Computer Programming, Python Programming, Model View Controller
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
36 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Arctic Meltdown
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Issue, Environment, Governance, Energy and Utilities, Environmental Science, Environmental Monitoring, Physical Science, International Relations, Environmental Policy, Socioeconomics, Environmental Resource Management, Natural Resource Management, Economics, Cultural Diversity, Environmental Regulations, Geographic Information Systems, Mathematical Modeling, Transportation Operations, Social Studies, Biology
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
51 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Howard University
Linear Algebra for Data Science Using Python
Skills you'll gain: Data Wrangling, Linear Algebra, Regression Analysis, Data Manipulation, NumPy, Predictive Modeling, Dimensionality Reduction, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Python Programming, Statistical Modeling, Mathematical Software, Supervised Learning, Data Visualization Software, Jupyter, Data Analysis, Scikit Learn (Machine Learning Library), Machine Learning Methods, Numerical Analysis, Algebra
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
32 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
EIT Digital
Geometric Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Geometry, Algorithms, Computer Graphics, Data Structures, Graph Theory, Spatial Data Analysis, Computational Thinking, Geographic Information Systems, Theoretical Computer Science, Spatial Analysis
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
24 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Cisco Learning and Certifications
Using APIs for Network Automation
Skills you'll gain: Postman API Platform, Restful API, Authentications, Application Programming Interface (API), JSON, Extensible Markup Language (XML), YAML, Network Monitoring, Automation, Network Engineering, Python Programming
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
32 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Glasgow
Informed Clinical Decision Making using Deep Learning
Skills you'll gain: Deep Learning, Data Ethics, Health Informatics, ICD Coding (ICD-9/ICD-10), Clinical Data Management, Data Mining, Descriptive Analytics, Database Design, Electronic Medical Record, Precision Medicine, Healthcare Ethics, Electocardiography, Machine Learning, Machine Learning Methods, Patient Flow, Artificial Neural Networks, Predictive Analytics, Applied Machine Learning, Image Analysis, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
33 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Leeds
Programming for Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Jupyter, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Python Programming, Development Environment, Software Installation, Data Structures, Data Science, Software Documentation, Debugging
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
25 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Projet de programmation (en Java)
Skills you'll gain: Software Design Patterns, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Software Design, Java, Program Development, Computer Programming, Software Engineering, User Interface (UI), Simulations, Integrated Development Environments, Algorithms
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
24 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Project Network
Explainable AI: Scene Classification and GradCam Visualization
Skills you'll gain: Keras (Neural Network Library), Deep Learning, Image Analysis, Tensorflow, Computer Vision, Applied Machine Learning, Artificial Neural Networks, Data Processing, Interactive Data Visualization
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
57 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Use AI Builder and Power Apps to Process Invoice Data
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Power Platform, Business Process Automation, Microsoft 365, Invoicing, Automation, Artificial Intelligence, Document Management, Data Integration, Data Store
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
34 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Pandas for Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Pandas (Python Package), Data Cleansing, Data Manipulation, NumPy, Query Languages, Data Integration, Python Programming, Data Import/Export, Data Analysis, Debugging
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
9 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Illinois Tech
Introduction to Time Series
Skills you'll gain: Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Statistical Reporting, Forecasting, R Programming, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Modeling, Statistical Software, Statistical Methods, Data Analysis, Regression Analysis, Exploratory Data Analysis, Simulations, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Plot (Graphics), Data Manipulation
3.8
Rating, 3.8 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months