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

Politecnico di Milano
Modelling and measuring the Energy Transition
Skills you'll gain: Product Lifecycle Management, Sustainability Reporting, Energy and Utilities, Environmental Science, Mathematical Modeling, Systems Thinking, Operational Analysis, Analysis, Microsoft Excel, Environment, Business Modeling, Accounting, Data Literacy, Open Source Technology
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
18 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
LearnQuest
Demand Forecasting Using Time Series
Skills you'll gain: Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Demand Planning, Trend Analysis, Data Visualization, Customer Demand Planning, Regression Analysis, Matplotlib, Forecasting, Predictive Modeling, Supply Chain Management, Data Analysis, Exploratory Data Analysis, Pandas (Python Package), Statistical Modeling
3.4
Rating, 3.4 out of 5 stars
35 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Princeton University
Алгоритмы, часть I
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Algorithms, Java, Computer Programming, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Theoretical Computer Science, Spatial Analysis, Simulations
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
81 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Coursera Project Network
Create a Supermarket app using Java OOP
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Java, Java Programming, Software Design, Software Testing, Application Development
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
106 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
University of London
Working with Objects in C++
Skills you'll gain: C++ (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Debugging, Test Data, Data Validation, Unit Testing, Algorithms, Statistical Programming, Data Structures
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
30 reviews
Intermediate · 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
Eindhoven University of Technology
Improving Your Statistical Questions
Skills you'll gain: Research Design, Research, Quantitative Research, Experimentation, Sample Size Determination, Statistical Inference, Statistical Methods, Statistical Analysis, Data Integrity, Data Ethics, Probability & Statistics, R Programming
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
111 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Imperial College London
Interventions and Calibration
Skills you'll gain: Mathematical Modeling, Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases, Statistical Modeling, R Programming, Differential Equations, Statistical Methods, Public Health
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
56 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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
IBM
IBM z/OS Rexx Programming
Skills you'll gain: Debugging, z/OS, Job Control Language (JCL), Mainframe Computing, Scripting Languages, Programming Principles, Development Environment, Program Development, Data Structures, Command-Line Interface, Automation, Data Management, Application Development
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
23 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Coursera Project Network
Create a Tic-Tac-Toe game in Python
Skills you'll gain: Cross Platform Development, Event-Driven Programming, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Computer Graphics, Video Game Development, Python Programming, User Interface (UI)
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
36 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Universidad de Palermo
Object-Oriented Programming with Java
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Design, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Java, Software Design, Software Design Patterns, Programming Principles
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
11 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks