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
IBM
Introduction to R Programming for Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Data Manipulation, Web Scraping, R Programming, Data Analysis, Data Science, Data Structures, Data Import/Export, Exploratory Data Analysis, Programming Principles, Jupyter, Integrated Development Environments
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
566 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Simplilearn
Programming with C ++
Skills you'll gain: C and C++, C++ (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Data Structures, Algorithms, Development Environment
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
21 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Status: AI skills
IBM
IBM Data Analyst
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Dashboard, Data Visualization Software, Plotly, Data Visualization, Predictive Modeling, Generative AI, SQL, Interactive Data Visualization, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Wrangling, Data Analysis, Jupyter, Big Data, Matplotlib, Statistical Analysis, Pandas (Python Package), IBM Cognos Analytics, Excel Formulas, Professional Networking
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
92K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Dynamic Programming, Greedy Algorithms
Skills you'll gain: Theoretical Computer Science, Algorithms, Computational Thinking, Data Structures, Design Strategies, Programming Principles, Computer Science, Advanced Mathematics, Linear Algebra, Analysis
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
221 reviews
Advanced · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
IBM
IBM AI Developer
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, HTML and CSS, Software Development Life Cycle, Software Architecture, Large Language Modeling, Professional Networking, Flask (Web Framework), Generative AI, Software Design, ChatGPT, Unit Testing, Jupyter, Artificial Intelligence, Scrum (Software Development), Software Engineering, OpenAI, Agile Methodology, Bootstrap (Front-End Framework), Python Programming, Interviewing Skills
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
70K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
IBM AI Engineering
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, PyTorch (Machine Learning Library), Large Language Modeling, Supervised Learning, Feature Engineering, Generative AI, Keras (Neural Network Library), Deep Learning, Jupyter, Natural Language Processing, Reinforcement Learning, Unsupervised Learning, Generative AI Agents, Scikit Learn (Machine Learning Library), Image Analysis, Data Manipulation, Tensorflow, Python Programming, Verification And Validation, Artificial Neural Networks
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
20K reviews
Intermediate · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
LearnQuest
Core Java
Skills you'll gain: Java Programming, Spring Framework, Java, Eclipse (Software), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Object Oriented Design, Integrated Development Environments, Development Environment, Java Platform Enterprise Edition (J2EE), Software Design, Software Installation, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Program Development, Virtual Machines, Debugging, Package and Software Management, Data Structures, File Management
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2.7K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
Data Science: Foundations using R
Skills you'll gain: Rmarkdown, Exploratory Data Analysis, Version Control, Statistical Analysis, R Programming, Data Manipulation, Data Cleansing, Data Science, Data Wrangling, Data Visualization, Plot (Graphics), Statistical Programming, Ggplot2, Big Data, Git (Version Control System), Data Integration, Knitr, Data Analysis, Data Sharing, Statistical Reporting
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
48K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Johns Hopkins University
R Programming
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Analysis, R Programming, Statistical Programming, Data Analysis, Debugging, Simulations, Computer Programming Tools, Program Development, Data Structures, Performance Tuning, Data Import/Export
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
22K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado System
C# Programming for Unity Game Development
Skills you'll gain: Unity Engine, Debugging, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Video Game Development, C# (Programming Language), Game Design, Software Design Patterns, Computer Programming, Event-Driven Programming, Data Structures, Integrated Development Environments, Data Storage, Application Development, Software Design, Program Development, UI Components, Cross Platform Development, Scripting, Data Import/Export, Development Environment
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2.7K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Google
Google IT Automation with Python
Skills you'll gain: Git (Version Control System), GitHub, Version Control, Cloud Services, Debugging, Puppet (Configuration Management Tool), Infrastructure as Code (IaC), Bash (Scripting Language), Configuration Management, Professional Networking, CI/CD, Cloud Computing, Technical Communication, Docker (Software), Unit Testing, Containerization, Web Services, Interviewing Skills, Python Programming, Programming Principles
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
48K reviews
Advanced · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Java, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Software Design, Software Design Patterns, Data Structures, HTML and CSS, Debugging, Software Engineering, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Web Development, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Javascript, Encryption, Algorithms, AI Personalization, Web Design, Data Processing, Statistical Analysis
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
22K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months