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
University of Toronto
Build Your Own iOS App
Skills you'll gain: Apple iOS, Swift Programming, Mobile Development, Animations, Application Development, Computer Vision, Image Analysis, User Interface (UI) Design
3.2
Rating, 3.2 out of 5 stars
70 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Project Network
GenAI For Business Analysis: Fine-Tuning LLMs
Skills you'll gain: OpenAI, Large Language Modeling, Real Time Data, Data Manipulation, Generative AI, Python Programming, Artificial Intelligence, Performance Analysis, Customer Analysis, Business Analysis, Data Analysis, JSON
4
Rating, 4 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Whizlabs
Selenium WebDriver with Python
Skills you'll gain: Selenium (Software), Debugging, Software Testing, Test Automation, UI Components, Web Applications, Test Case, Development Environment
3.4
Rating, 3.4 out of 5 stars
38 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Mathematics for Engineers: The Capstone Course
Skills you'll gain: Matlab, Engineering Analysis, Finite Element Methods, Mechanical Engineering, Numerical Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Applied Mathematics, Advanced Mathematics, Simulation and Simulation Software, Differential Equations, Calculus, Scientific Visualization, Plot (Graphics)
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
36 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
SkillUp EdTech
Spring Framework for Java Development
Skills you'll gain: Spring Framework, Spring Boot, Restful API, Application Security, Java, Application Frameworks, Model View Controller, Development Environment, Web Applications, Application Programming Interface (API), Apache Maven, Authorization (Computing), Authentications
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
9 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Analyze Data in a Model Car Database with MySQL Workbench
Skills you'll gain: MySQL Workbench, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Exploratory Data Analysis, MySQL, Business Analytics, Data Analysis, Database Design, SQL, Analytical Skills, Data Presentation, Technical Communication, Relational Databases
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
18 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Cloud Native, Microservices, Containers, DevOps and Agile
Skills you'll gain: Cloud-Native Computing, Docker (Software), Containerization, Microservices, Agile Methodology, DevOps, Agile Software Development, Kubernetes, CI/CD, Cloud Development, Agile Project Management, Hybrid Cloud Computing, Scrum (Software Development), Restful API, Continuous Delivery, Cloud Applications, Software Development Methodologies, Continuous Integration, Cloud Infrastructure, Postman API Platform
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
9 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Scrimba
Learn Python
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Structures, Python Programming, Programming Principles, User Interface (UI), Scripting, Performance Tuning, Scripting Languages, File Management, Computer Programming, Computational Thinking, Debugging
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
21 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Managing, Describing, and Analyzing Data
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Inference, Probability Distribution, Statistical Analysis, Descriptive Statistics, Sampling (Statistics), Statistics, Probability & Statistics, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, R Programming, Data Analysis, Data Literacy, Probability, Statistical Visualization, Histogram
Build toward a degree
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
33 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Board Infinity
Holistic Mobile App Design & Development
Skills you'll gain: React Native, Docker (Software), Mobile Development, Cross Platform Development, Azure DevOps, Jest (JavaScript Testing Framework), Containerization, Microservices, User Interface (UI), UI Components, ASP.NET, DevOps, User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design, .NET Framework, Unit Testing, Development Environment, Development Testing, Performance Tuning, Software Testing, Data Security
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
45 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
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
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