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

Coursera Project Network
Build a Website using an API with HTML, JavaScript, and JSON
Skills you'll gain: JSON, Restful API, HTML and CSS, Web Design, Cloud API, Web Development, Application Programming Interface (API), Web Applications, Responsive Web Design, Real Time Data, Javascript
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
31 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free
Amazon Web Services
Amazon Bedrock - Getting Started with Generative AI
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI, Amazon Web Services, Large Language Modeling, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Artificial Intelligence, Cloud API, Application Programming Interface (API)
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
119 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Learn Automation Testing with Java and Selenium Webdriver
Skills you'll gain: Selenium (Software), JUnit, Eclipse (Software), Java Programming, Java, Test Automation, Integrated Development Environments, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Software Testing, Object Oriented Design, Browser Compatibility, Test Data, Test Tools, Test Case, Computer Programming, Software Quality Assurance, Regression Testing, Development Environment, Programming Principles, HTML and CSS
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
16 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Duke University
Introduction to FastAPI framework
Skills you'll gain: Restful API, Application Programming Interface (API), Application Deployment, Software Documentation, Web Applications, JSON, Application Development, Server Side, Program Development, Test Tools, Python Programming, Data Validation
2.7
Rating, 2.7 out of 5 stars
23 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Duke University
Web Scraping with Python
Skills you'll gain: Web Scraping, Extensible Markup Language (XML), Scripting, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Web Development, Unstructured Data, Web Applications, Python Programming
3.2
Rating, 3.2 out of 5 stars
17 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Akamai Technologies, Inc.
Python Scripting Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Application Development, Scripting, MySQL, Data Structures, Python Programming, Program Development, Database Management, Web Applications, File Management, Programming Principles
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
16 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
AI Agents in Java with Generative AI
Skills you'll gain: Generative AI Agents, Java, Agentic systems, Software Design, Artificial Intelligence, Software Architecture, OpenAI, ChatGPT, Software Development Tools, Application Development, Prompt Engineering, Systems Integration, Large Language Modeling
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
9 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California San Diego
Capstone: Analyzing (Social) Network Data
Skills you'll gain: Network Analysis, Graph Theory, Technical Communication, Data Structures, Social Sciences, Analytical Skills, Algorithms, Analysis, Computer Science, Research
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
99 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Minnesota
Optimization for Decision Making
Skills you'll gain: Operations Research, Mathematical Modeling, Business Modeling, Business Analytics, Analytics, Data Modeling, Business Mathematics, Process Optimization, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Business Intelligence, Microsoft Excel, Solution Design, Decision Making, Linear Algebra, Resource Allocation, Graphing
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
73 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Python para Ciencia de Datos
Skills you'll gain: Descriptive Analytics, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Analysis, Data Visualization Software, Predictive Analytics, Business Analytics, Database Management, Data Science, Relational Databases, Data Processing, Trend Analysis, Forecasting, Data Manipulation, Python Programming
3.8
Rating, 3.8 out of 5 stars
67 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Coursera Project Network
Github CoPilot for Beginners: Write Software With AI
Skills you'll gain: Responsive Web Design, HTML and CSS, Web Design and Development, UI Components, Prompt Engineering, Web Development, Generative AI, GitHub, Javascript, Artificial Intelligence
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
65 reviews
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
Status: Free Trial
Corporate Finance Institute
Financial Statements in Power BI
Skills you'll gain: Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), Snowflake Schema, Power BI, Financial Statements, Business Intelligence, Financial Reporting, Cash Flows, Microsoft Excel, Financial Data, Data Modeling, Balance Sheet, Financial Analysis, Income Statement, SQL, Data Import/Export
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
22 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months