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

Google Cloud
Boost Productivity with Gemini in BigQuery - 简体中文
Skills you'll gain: Data Pipelines, Exploratory Data Analysis, Google Cloud Platform, Data Cleansing, Interactive Data Visualization, Data Transformation, Data Analysis, Generative AI, SQL
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Google Cloud
Build, Train and Deploy ML Models with Keras on Google Cloud - Italiano
Skills you'll gain: Tensorflow, Keras (Neural Network Library), Google Cloud Platform, Data Processing, Data Cleansing, Data Transformation, Scalability, Feature Engineering, Data Pipelines, MLOps (Machine Learning Operations), Deep Learning, Artificial Neural Networks, Machine Learning, Application Programming Interface (API)
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Google Cloud
Google Workspace Security - Français
Skills you'll gain: Single Sign-On (SSO), Lightweight Directory Access Protocols, Google Workspace, Application Security, Cloud Security, Security Management, Application Programming Interface (API), Authentications, Threat Detection, Identity and Access Management, Multi-Factor Authentication, User Accounts
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
E2E Testing
E2e Course Test Fixtures Learner Fireflies Source
Skills you'll gain: Test Tools, Test Engineering, System Testing, Application Programming Interface (API), Test Planning, User Acceptance Testing (UAT), Acceptance Testing, Testability
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Google Cloud
Boost Productivity with Gemini in BigQuery - 繁體中文
Skills you'll gain: Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Processing, Data Pipelines, Data Manipulation, Big Data, Google Cloud Platform, Data Transformation, Data Visualization Software, Generative AI Agents, SQL, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Debugging
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Google Cloud
Gemini for end-to-end SDLC - 繁體中文
Skills you'll gain: Debugging, Web Applications, Development Testing, Application Development, Web Development, Generative AI, Software Development Life Cycle, Software Development Tools, Application Lifecycle Management, Google Cloud Platform, Artificial Intelligence
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Google Cloud
Boost Productivity with Gemini in BigQuery - Indonesian
Skills you'll gain: Exploratory Data Analysis, Google Cloud Platform, Data Wrangling, Interactive Data Visualization, Data Visualization, Generative AI, Debugging, SQL
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Indian Statistical Institute
Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Statistics
Skills you'll gain: Sampling (Statistics), Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Sample Size Determination, NumPy, Statistical Machine Learning, Spatial Data Analysis, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Probability, Database Management Systems, Economics, Statistical Modeling, Data Compilation, Probability & Statistics, Statistical Methods, Dimensionality Reduction, Lifelong Learning, Regression Analysis, Surveys, Bayesian Statistics, Market Data
Postgraduate Diploma · 6 - 12 Months
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
R Programming Essentials with Microsoft Tools
Skills you'll gain: GitHub, Data Manipulation, Git (Version Control System), Software Documentation, Microsoft Development Tools, Microsoft Visual Studio, Microsoft Copilot, Data Import/Export, R Programming, Statistical Reporting, Statistical Analysis, Data Cleansing, Integrated Development Environments, Programming Principles, Debugging, Data Structures
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Introduction to JavaScript Programming
Skills you'll gain: Debugging, Data Validation, Javascript, Data Structures, Scripting, Program Development, Programming Principles, Web Development Tools, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Development Environment, Maintainability
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Microsoft R Programming for Everyone
Skills you'll gain:
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 1 - 3 Months
IIT Guwahati
Bachelor of Science in Data Science & AI
Skills you'll gain: Package and Software Management, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Linear Algebra, Data Structures, Data Warehousing, Database Management, Database Theory, Writing, Algorithms, Java Programming, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Spreadsheet Software, Econometrics, R Programming, Text Mining, Artificial Intelligence, Data Visualization Software, C (Programming Language), Probability, Statistical Machine Learning
Earn a degree
Degree · 1 - 4 Years