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
Packt
Data Analysis with Pandas and Python
Skills you'll gain: Pandas (Python Package), Data Import/Export, Matplotlib, Pivot Tables And Charts, Jupyter, Data Visualization Software, Microsoft Excel, Data Analysis, Text Mining, Data Manipulation, Data Cleansing, NumPy, Data Analysis Software, Data Integration, Data Wrangling, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Data Transformation, Python Programming, Data Structures, Integrated Development Environments
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
23 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Coursera Project Network
Introduction To Java Database Connectivity - JDBC
Skills you'll gain: MySQL, Java, Data Access, Database Application, Database Development, Java Programming, Databases, Software Development, Data Storage
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
83 reviews
Advanced · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Coursera Project Network
Data Management with Databricks: Big Data with Delta Lakes
Skills you'll gain: Databricks, Data Lakes, Data Pipelines, Data Integration, Extract, Transform, Load, Dashboard, PySpark, SQL, Data Management, Data Transformation, Version Control
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
27 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
National Taiwan University
用 Python 做商管程式設計（二）(Programming for Business Computing in Python (2))
Skills you'll gain: Data Visualization Software, Data Structures, Data Analysis, File Management, Financial Data, Python Programming, Financial Analysis, Debugging, Data Manipulation, Business Analysis
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
261 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Arizona State University
Creatividad, diseño e innovación: Técnicas y herramientas - Proyecto Final
Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Innovation, Brainstorming, Peer Review, Creative Problem-Solving, Ideation, Business Modeling, Project Design, Proposal Development, Stakeholder Management, Creativity, Business Planning, User Feedback, Constructive Feedback, Collaboration
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
94 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Working with BigQuery
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Reporting, Data Visualization, Big Data, SQL, Query Languages, Data Import/Export, Data Presentation, Google Cloud Platform, Data Warehousing, Data Sharing, Analytics
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
228 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Davis
SQL Problem Solving
Skills you'll gain: SQL, Data Quality, Complex Problem Solving, Data Visualization, JSON, Business Metrics, Business Reporting, Data Presentation, Forecasting, Data Analysis, Predictive Analytics, Exploratory Data Analysis, Debugging, Data Transformation
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Introduction to Javascript: The Basics
Skills you'll gain: Javascript, Back-End Web Development, Server Side, Front-End Web Development, Scripting, Event-Driven Programming, Web Applications, Mobile Development, HTML and CSS, Web Development
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
285 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
LearnQuest
Java as a Second Language
Skills you'll gain: Java Programming, Java, Application Servers, Web Applications, Development Environment, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Application Development, Eclipse (Software), Computer Programming, Object Oriented Design, Mobile Development, UI Components, Program Development, User Interface (UI), Virtual Machines, Command-Line Interface, Software Installation
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
193 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Rust Programming Masterclass from Beginner to Expert
Skills you'll gain: Rust (Programming Language), Data Structures, Development Environment, Performance Tuning, Package and Software Management, Blockchain, Web Servers, Web Development, Programming Principles, Algorithms, Performance Testing, Software Visualization, System Programming, Distributed Computing, Data Management, Computer Programming Tools, Web Scraping, Software Design, Software Testing, Capacity Management
3.7
Rating, 3.7 out of 5 stars
18 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
Introduction to advanced tomography
Skills you'll gain: Jupyter, 3D Modeling, Image Analysis, Analysis, Data Manipulation, Data Processing, Numerical Analysis, Mathematical Modeling, Simulation and Simulation Software, Python Programming
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
63 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
CUDA at Scale for the Enterprise
Skills you'll gain: Image Analysis, Event-Driven Programming, Scalability, C and C++, Distributed Computing, Computer Graphics, Computer Vision, System Programming, Data Processing, Software Development, Performance Tuning, Hardware Architecture, Algorithms
3.2
Rating, 3.2 out of 5 stars
15 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months