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

University of Michigan
Python Basics
Skills you'll gain: Debugging, Programming Principles, Python Programming, Data Structures, Scripting Languages, Computer Programming, Pseudocode, Computer Graphics
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
18K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of California San Diego
Algorithmic Toolbox
Skills you'll gain: Algorithms, Program Development, Debugging, Development Testing, Test Engineering, Software Testing, Computational Thinking, Test Case, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Data Structures, Theoretical Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Design Strategies
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
13K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
IBM
IBM Data Architecture
Skills you'll gain: NoSQL, Data Warehousing, SQL, Apache Hadoop, Extract, Transform, Load, Apache Airflow, Data Security, Linux Commands, Data Migration, Database Design, Data Governance, MySQL, Apache Spark, Data Pipelines, Apache Kafka, Database Management, Bash (Scripting Language), Shell Script, Database Architecture and Administration, Data Store
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
6.6K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Google
Analyze Data to Answer Questions
Skills you'll gain: Data Validation, Spreadsheet Software, Data Analysis, Analytics, Data Manipulation, Excel Formulas, Data Compilation, Pivot Tables And Charts, SQL, Data Integration, Data Transformation, User Feedback
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
12K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Michigan
Web Design for Everybody: Basics of Web Development & Coding
Skills you'll gain: Wireframing, Responsive Web Design, HTML and CSS, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Web Design, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Browser Compatibility, Bootstrap (Front-End Framework), Javascript, Front-End Web Development, User Interface (UI), Web Development Tools, Verification And Validation, Interactive Design, Application Frameworks, Code Review, Web Design and Development, Event-Driven Programming, Usability
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
35K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of California, Davis
SQL for Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Data Governance, SQL, Data Quality, Database Design, Query Languages, Data Manipulation, Data Modeling, Relational Databases, Data Analysis, Data Cleansing
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
17K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
IBM
Databases and SQL for Data Science with Python
Skills you'll gain: SQL, Relational Databases, Stored Procedure, Databases, Query Languages, Jupyter, Data Manipulation, Data Analysis, Pandas (Python Package), Transaction Processing
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
22K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Google
Google Data Analytics Capstone: Complete a Case Study
Skills you'll gain: Interviewing Skills, Data Analysis, Google Analytics, Data Processing, Analytical Skills, Artificial Intelligence, R Programming, Data Storytelling, Project Documentation, Presentations, Portfolio Management, LinkedIn
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
18K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Duke University
Pointers, Arrays, and Recursion
Skills you'll gain: C (Programming Language), Data Structures, Program Development, Algorithms, Computational Thinking, Computer Programming, Debugging
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
344 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Imperial College London
Mathematics for Machine Learning
Skills you'll gain: Linear Algebra, Dimensionality Reduction, NumPy, Regression Analysis, Calculus, Applied Mathematics, Probability & Statistics, Feature Engineering, Data Transformation, Machine Learning Methods, Jupyter, Data Science, Advanced Mathematics, Statistics, Statistical Analysis, Artificial Neural Networks, Algorithms, Data Manipulation, Python Programming, Machine Learning
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
15K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Amsterdam
Methods and Statistics in Social Sciences
Skills you'll gain: Qualitative Research, Scientific Methods, Descriptive Statistics, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Research, Sampling (Statistics), Probability Distribution, Correlation Analysis, Research Design, Research Reports, Science and Research, Interviewing Skills, Data Analysis, Probability, Data Collection, Statistical Inference, Social Sciences, Statistical Methods, Probability & Statistics
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
7.7K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Pennsylvania
Introduction to Programming with Python and Java
Skills you'll gain: Matplotlib, Object Oriented Design, Java, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Analysis, Unit Testing, Pandas (Python Package), Eclipse (Software), Data Structures, Data Cleansing, Debugging, Pivot Tables And Charts, Data Visualization Software, Software Testing, Integrated Development Environments, Program Development, Programming Principles, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Computational Thinking
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
1.8K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months