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 California, Santa Cruz
C, Go, and C++: A Comprehensive Introduction to Programming
Skills you'll gain: C++ (Programming Language), Go (Programming Language), Debugging, C (Programming Language), Data Structures, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Software Design Patterns, Object Oriented Design, Code Review, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Unit Testing, Algorithms, Command-Line Interface, Program Development, Integrated Development Environments, Software Testing, Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Graph Theory
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
9.4K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Princeton University
Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Performance Tuning, Data Structures, Java, Computational Thinking, Computer Science, Algorithms, Animations, Debugging
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
Introduction to Programming with MATLAB
Skills you'll gain: Matlab, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, UI Components, Software Design, Debugging, Mathematical Software, Development Environment, Computer Science, File Management, Algorithms, Data Import/Export, Data Structures, Engineering Calculations, Plot (Graphics), Data Management
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
18K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Data Structures in C
Skills you'll gain: C (Programming Language), Data Structures, Application Security, System Programming, Programming Principles, Performance Tuning
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
50 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
EDUCBA
Embedded C Programming Essentials
Skills you'll gain: Embedded Software, Debugging, Embedded Systems, Integrated Development Environments, C (Programming Language), Development Environment, Computer Architecture, Computer Programming
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
53 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
EDUCBA
Embedded Software Development with C
Skills you'll gain: Embedded Software, C (Programming Language), Embedded Systems, Debugging, Peripheral Devices, Integrated Development Environments, Development Environment, System Programming, Data Structures, Hardware Troubleshooting, Microarchitecture, Programming Principles, Performance Tuning, Computer Architecture, C++ (Programming Language), Hardware Architecture, Computer Hardware, Computer Programming
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
180 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani
Introduction to Programming
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, C (Programming Language), Computer Hardware, Computer Programming, Computer Architecture, Computational Thinking, Data Structures, Algorithms, File Management, Operating Systems, Program Development, Debugging
Build toward a degree
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
49 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado System
Computational Thinking with Beginning C Programming
Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Data Collection, Simulations, Data Analysis, Microsoft Visual Studio, C (Programming Language), Statistical Analysis, Automation, Program Development, Data Structures, Programming Principles, Algorithms, Computer Programming, Theoretical Computer Science, Development Environment, Descriptive Statistics, Problem Management, File Management, Debugging, Data Storage
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
432 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Santa Cruz
C and Go: Classical and Modern Programming
Skills you'll gain: Go (Programming Language), Debugging, C (Programming Language), Data Structures, C++ (Programming Language), Object Oriented Design, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Code Review, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Unit Testing, Algorithms, Command-Line Interface, Program Development, Integrated Development Environments, Software Testing, Computer Science, Computational Thinking, File Management, Integration Testing
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
7.1K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Introduction to Programming With C#
Skills you'll gain: C# (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Debugging, .NET Framework, Microsoft Copilot, Microsoft Development Tools, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Integrated Development Environments, Development Environment
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
40 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Google
Crash Course on Python
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Computational Thinking, Algorithms, Problem Management, Data Structures, Integrated Development Environments, Debugging, Development Environment
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
39K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Rust Programming
Skills you'll gain: Rust (Programming Language), Containerization, Data Pipelines, CI/CD, Docker (Software), DevOps, Jenkins, Unit Testing, Large Language Modeling, Test Case, Restful API, Serverless Computing, Generative AI, Command-Line Interface, Amazon Web Services, Software Testing, Maintainability, Prometheus (Software), System Monitoring, MLOps (Machine Learning Operations)
4
Rating, 4 out of 5 stars
207 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months