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
Northwestern University
Modern Robotics, Course 6: Capstone Project, Mobile Manipulation
Skills you'll gain: Control Systems, Simulation and Simulation Software, Robotic Process Automation, Matlab, Mechanics, Mathematical Modeling, Engineering Calculations
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
57 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
Motores gráficos en videojuegos: game engine
Skills you'll gain: Video Game Development, Computer Graphics, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Microsoft Visual Studio, Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Environment, Application Development, C++ (Programming Language), Computer Graphic Techniques, Animations, User Interface (UI), Middleware
3.9
Rating, 3.9 out of 5 stars
105 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
IBM
IBM COBOL Data and File Management
Skills you'll gain: COBOL (Programming Language), Job Control Language (JCL), IBM DB2, z/OS, Mainframe Computing, Relational Databases, File Management, Data Management, Databases, Computer Programming Tools, Data Storage, Programming Principles, Data Structures
3.7
Rating, 3.7 out of 5 stars
46 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Imperial College London
Introduction to Python for Researchers
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Program Development, Microsoft Visual Studio, Computer Programming, Integrated Development Environments, Python Programming, Debugging, Development Environment
5
Rating, 5 out of 5 stars
7 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Azure: create a REST API using NodeJS Serverless Functions
Skills you'll gain: API Gateway, Serverless Computing, Restful API, Node.JS, Microsoft Azure, Application Programming Interface (API), API Design, Web Services, Cloud Applications
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
94 reviews
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
NIIT
Server side JavaScript with Node.js
Skills you'll gain: Node.JS, Unit Testing, Server Side, Javascript, Debugging, Back-End Web Development, File Systems, Web Applications, Event-Driven Programming
3.8
Rating, 3.8 out of 5 stars
85 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
IBM COBOL Software Development Process
Skills you'll gain: Software Development Life Cycle, z/OS, COBOL (Programming Language), Unit Testing, Systems Analysis, Systems Development, Pseudocode, Software Development Methodologies, Agile Methodology, Software Development, Software Design, Systems Architecture, Mainframe Computing, Programming Principles, Scrum (Software Development), Test Planning
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
49 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Northeastern University
Agile Dev Practices: SDLC & Project Management
Skills you'll gain: Software Development Life Cycle, Agile Software Development, Agile Methodology, Requirements Analysis, Agile Project Management, Software Development Methodologies, Application Lifecycle Management, Interpersonal Communications, Scrum (Software Development), Sprint Retrospectives, User Story, Waterfall Methodology, Sprint Planning, Quality Management, Continuous Improvement Process
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
18 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Codio
Java Basics: Selection and Iteration
Skills you'll gain: Debugging, Java, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Computational Logic, Data Structures, Data Storage
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
110 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Python for Beginners: Data Structures
Skills you'll gain: Data Structures, Plot (Graphics), Programming Principles, Python Programming, Data Storage
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
27 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Arizona State University
Introduction to Machine Learning with Python
Skills you'll gain: Supervised Learning, Unsupervised Learning, Generative AI, Deep Learning, Image Analysis, Machine Learning Algorithms, Applied Machine Learning, Python Programming, Machine Learning, Artificial Neural Networks, Computer Vision, Computer Programming, Regression Analysis
3.7
Rating, 3.7 out of 5 stars
20 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Coursera Project Network
Object Localization with TensorFlow
Skills you'll gain: Tensorflow, Keras (Neural Network Library), Image Analysis, Computer Vision, Artificial Neural Networks, Applied Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Python Programming
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
113 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours