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 take free C programming courses on Coursera?

Yes. You can start learning C programming on Coursera for free in two ways: Preview the first module of many C programming courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available). Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial. If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in C programming, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can 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
Duke University
Introductory C Programming
Skills you'll gain: Debugging, C (Programming Language), Algorithms, Data Structures, Programming Principles, Program Development, Unit Testing, System Programming, Development Testing, Test Case, Software Architecture, Software Testing, Software Development, Simulations, Maintainability, Computer Programming, Command-Line Interface, Software Engineering, Software Design, Problem Solving
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
7.3K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Santa Cruz
C for Everyone: Programming Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Debugging, C (Programming Language), Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Program Development, Software Technical Review, Data Structures, Algorithms
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
6.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Dartmouth College
C Programming with Linux
Skills you'll gain: C (Programming Language), Command-Line Interface, Computer Programming Tools, Linux, File Systems, Linux Commands, Build Tools, Programming Principles, Data Structures, Unix, File Management, Computational Logic, Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, Software Development Tools, Computer Programming, Algorithms, Debugging, Computer Science, Software Engineering
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
405 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Santa Cruz
Coding for Everyone: C and C++
Skills you'll gain: C++ (Programming Language), Debugging, C (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Software Design Patterns, Programming Principles, Data Structures, Computer Programming, Algorithms, Command-Line Interface, Program Development, Graph Theory, Software Technical Review, Artificial Intelligence, Game Design, Data Storage, File Management
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
9.4K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Dartmouth College
C Programming: Getting Started - 1
Skills you'll gain: Computer Programming Tools, C (Programming Language), Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Debugging
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
250 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Preview
Simplilearn
Programming with C
Skills you'll gain: C (Programming Language), File Management, Data Structures, C++ (Programming Language), Programming Principles, Operating Systems, Computer Programming, Algorithms
3.8
Rating, 3.8 out of 5 stars
9 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

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Status: Free
Princeton University
Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose
Skills you'll gain: Java Programming, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Java, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Performance Testing, Algorithms, Computer Science, Data Structures, Computational Thinking, Animations, Debugging, Simulations
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Programming Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Programming Principles, C (Programming Language), Computer Programming, Problem Solving
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Python for Data Science, AI & Development
Skills you'll gain: Jupyter, Web Scraping, Python Programming, Data Collection, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Pandas (Python Package), Programming Principles, Data Structures, NumPy, Data Processing, Data Manipulation, Application Programming Interface (API), Data Import/Export, Computer Programming, Data Analysis
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
42K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Introduction to Programming With C#
Skills you'll gain: C# (Programming Language), Microsoft Copilot, .NET Framework, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Microsoft Visual Studio, Debugging, Microsoft Development Tools, Computer Programming, Integrated Development Environments, Software Design Patterns, Development Environment
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
53 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
Introduction to Programming with MATLAB
Skills you'll gain: Matlab, Mathematical Software, Programming Principles, Debugging, Data Structures, Development Environment, Computer Programming, Data Import/Export, Linear Algebra, UI Components, File Management, Engineering Calculations, Plot (Graphics), Data Management, Problem Solving
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
18K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Google
Crash Course on Python
Skills you'll gain: Python Programming, Programming Principles, Scripting, Computer Programming, Algorithms, Scripting Languages, Data Structures, Debugging, Automation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
40K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months