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

Coursera Instructor Network
Applying Python for Data Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Pandas (Python Package), Data Analysis, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Manipulation, Business Analytics, Statistics, Data Visualization Software, Descriptive Statistics, Data Cleansing, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Correlation Analysis, Python Programming
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
14 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Open AI for Beginners: Programmatic Prompting
Skills you'll gain: OpenAI, Prompt Engineering, JSON, Application Programming Interface (API), Web Applications, ChatGPT, Generative AI, Artificial Intelligence
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
16 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Fundação Instituto de Administração
Ciência de Dados para Finanças
Skills you'll gain: Data Mining, Big Data, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Visualization, FinTech, Data Processing, Data Science, Data Visualization Software, Deep Learning, R Programming, Predictive Analytics, Data Capture, Analytics, Data Manipulation, Data Analysis, Business Analytics, Machine Learning, Financial Market, Business Intelligence, Data Structures
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
78 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Social Media Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Network Analysis, Data Visualization, Graph Theory, Relational Databases, Data Visualization Software, Data Storytelling, Data Analysis, Data Literacy, Social Sciences, Statistical Analysis, Machine Learning, R Programming, Analytical Skills, Data Manipulation, Facebook, Sociology, Natural Language Processing, Text Mining, Analytics, Trend Analysis
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
10 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Stanford University
Teaching LGBTQ+ Health
Skills you'll gain: Patient Education And Counseling, Health Disparities, Teaching, Instructional Strategies, Health Equity, Instructing, Education and Training, Health Care, Health Assessment, Primary Care, Mental and Behavioral Health, Community Health, Diversity Awareness, Behavioral Health, Healthcare Industry Knowledge, Cultural Responsiveness, Medical Terminology, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
23 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Intermediate Object-Oriented Programming with Java
Skills you'll gain: Java, Mobile Development, Java Programming, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Application Frameworks, Application Development, Program Development
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
67 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
IBM
JavaScript Full Stack Capstone Project
Skills you'll gain: CI/CD, Full-Stack Web Development, MongoDB, Application Deployment, Cloud Applications, Node.JS, React.js, DevOps, NoSQL, Database Management, Kubernetes, JavaScript Frameworks, Front-End Web Development, Software Architecture, Application Development, Web Applications, Authorization (Computing), Back-End Web Development, Restful API, Application Programming Interface (API)
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
31 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Google Cloud
Introduction to Dart
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles
4
Rating, 4 out of 5 stars
28 reviews
Beginner · Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free
Amazon Web Services
Amazon Bedrock - Getting Started with Generative AI
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Amazon Web Services, Large Language Modeling, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Artificial Intelligence, Cloud API, Application Programming Interface (API)
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
122 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Codio
Intro to Operating Systems 4: Persistence
Skills you'll gain: File Systems, Operating Systems, Data Integrity, Debugging, Systems Design, Distributed Computing, Data Storage, C (Programming Language), System Programming, Computer Systems, Command-Line Interface, Computer Hardware, Scalability, Version Control
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
52 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Google Cloud
Developing Applications with Google Cloud: Foundations
Skills you'll gain: Cloud Applications, Application Deployment, Application Development, Authentications, Generative AI, Google Cloud Platform, Data Storage, Platform As A Service (PaaS), Cloud API, Authorization (Computing), CI/CD, Cloud Computing, Application Performance Management, Cloud Storage, Cloud Security, Serverless Computing, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Computer Programming Tools, Containerization
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
16 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
AI Workflow: Data Analysis and Hypothesis Testing
Skills you'll gain: Exploratory Data Analysis, Probability Distribution, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Dashboard, Data Analysis, Data Science, Probability & Statistics, Statistical Analysis, Jupyter, Matplotlib, Data Cleansing, Pandas (Python Package), Statistical Inference, Statistics, Data Manipulation
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
123 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks