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 Colorado Boulder
Techniques of Design-Oriented Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Power Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Control Systems, Matlab, Engineering Analysis, Simulations, Systems Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
31 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
LearnQuest
Foundations of Computer Science
Skills you'll gain: Visual Basic (Programming Language), Database Management, System Software, Databases, Relational Databases, Algorithms, Computer Architecture, Network Security, Computer Hardware, SQL, Computer Science, Computer Networking, Computer Programming, Network Protocols, Programming Principles, Software Development, Automation, Analysis, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
111 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Project Network
Python Basics: Create a Guessing Number Game from Scratch
Skills you'll gain: Game Design, Programming Principles, Python Programming, Scripting, Computer Programming, Scripting Languages
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
122 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Irvine
Toward the Future of iOS Development with Swift
Skills you'll gain: Swift Programming, iOS Development, Apple iOS, Apple Xcode, Objective-C (Programming Language), Mobile Development, Application Development, Application Servers, UI Components, User Interface (UI)
3.8
Rating, 3.8 out of 5 stars
79 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Board Infinity
Snowflake - SnowPro Core Certification Preparation
Skills you'll gain: Performance Tuning, User Accounts, Data Warehousing, Identity and Access Management, Data Modeling, Data Integration, SQL, Cloud Computing Architecture, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Data Import/Export, Business Intelligence, Data Transformation, Data Security, Scalability
2.7
Rating, 2.7 out of 5 stars
16 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of London
Creative Programming for Digital Media & Mobile Apps
Skills you'll gain: User Interface (UI), Interactive Design, Computer Graphics, Video Game Development, Mobile Development, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Animation and Game Design, Music, Application Development, Multimedia, Computer Programming
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
55 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Fundação Lemann
Aprenda a ensinar programação com o Programaê!
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Education Software and Technology, Computer Programming, Learning Management Systems, Computational Thinking, Algorithms
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
124 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Princeton University
Алгоритмы, часть I
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Algorithms, Programming Principles, Theoretical Computer Science, Java, Computer Programming, Computational Thinking, Graph Theory, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Performance Testing
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
81 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Infosec
Advanced Python - Reconnaissance
Skills you'll gain: MITRE ATT&CK Framework, Penetration Testing, Cyber Operations, Scripting, Cybersecurity, Python Programming, Network Analysis, Authentications, Automation
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
52 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
LearnQuest
Tables, Data & Networking in iOS
Skills you'll gain: JSON, Apple iOS, Mobile Development, Application Programming Interface (API), Swift Programming, Data Storage, Model View Controller, Data Modeling, Data Storage Technologies, UI Components, Network Protocols
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
137 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Nanjing University
计算机系统基础（一）：程序的表示、转换与链接
Skills you'll gain: Computer Systems, Computer Architecture, System Programming, Secure Coding, Programming Principles, Hardware Architecture, Computational Logic, Data Storage, C (Programming Language), Operating Systems, Data Structures, Computer Hardware, Numerical Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
59 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Data Storage in Microsoft Azure for Associate Developers
Skills you'll gain: Cloud Storage, Data Storage, Microsoft Azure, Data Storage Technologies, Cloud Applications, Azure Active Directory, Cloud Security, Data Security, Application Development, Application Programming Interface (API), Key Management, Authentications, Unstructured Data
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
29 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months