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

Duke University
Business Metrics for Data-Driven Companies
Skills you'll gain: Business Analytics, Business Metrics, Analytics, Business Process Improvement, Business Intelligence, Tableau Software, Data Analysis, Big Data, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Spreadsheet Software, Web Analytics, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Business Strategy, Digital Transformation, E-Commerce, Financial Services, SQL
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
8.4K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Michigan
Introduction to Structured Query Language (SQL)
Skills you'll gain: Database Design, SQL, MySQL, Relational Databases, Databases, Data Modeling, Development Environment, PHP (Scripting Language), Software Installation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
5.5K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Codio
C++ Basic Structures: Vectors, Pointers, Strings, and Files
Skills you'll gain: Data Import/Export, C++ (Programming Language), Programming Principles, Data Structures, File Management, Computer Programming, Computer Science, Data Storage
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
228 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Microsoft
Introduction to Microsoft Azure Cloud Services
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft Azure, Cloud Services, Virtualization, Cloud Computing, Virtual Machines, Cloud Platforms, Cloud Storage, Cloud Infrastructure, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Public Cloud, General Networking, Database Management Systems, Scalability
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2.6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of California San Diego
Bioinformatics
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Dimensionality Reduction, Unsupervised Learning, Applied Machine Learning, Data Analysis, Computational Thinking, Graph Theory, Markov Model, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, Microbiology, Statistical Analysis, Medical Science and Research, Precision Medicine, Biology, Pharmacology, Algorithms, Infectious Diseases, Data Mining
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
1.2K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Pennsylvania
Computational Thinking for Problem Solving
Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Algorithms, Pseudocode, Python Programming, Data Structures, Computer Hardware, Computer Programming, Analysis, Debugging
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.4K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Meta
Meta Android UI Development
Skills you'll gain: Android Studio, Android Jetpack, Kotlin, Android Development, Android (Operating System), Responsive Web Design, Mobile Development, Unit Testing, Gradle, User Interface (UI) Design, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), User Interface (UI), Application Development, Integrated Development Environments, Development Environment, Programming Principles, Test Driven Development (TDD), Cross Platform Development, Integration Testing, Data Structures
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.8K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
University of California, Davis
Web Development for Beginners
Skills you'll gain: Responsive Web Design, Color Theory, Version Control, Typography, HTML and CSS, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), GitHub, Git (Version Control System), Web Design, Web Design and Development, Web Development, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, Front-End Web Development, Application Deployment, Web Applications, Design Elements And Principles, Animations, Web Content, Mobile Development
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.7K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Michigan
Django for Everybody
Skills you'll gain: Application Deployment, Django (Web Framework), Object-Relational Mapping, HTML and CSS, Model View Controller, jQuery, Ajax, JSON, Database Design, SQL, Application Frameworks, Databases, Application Development, Javascript, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Web Development, Data Modeling, Application Security, Web Applications, Web Servers
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.5K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Johns Hopkins University
Introduction to Genomic Technologies
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Data Science, Molecular Biology, Data Analysis, Programming Principles, Computer Science, Statistical Analysis, Computational Thinking, Big Data, Software Engineering, Algorithms, Biology
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
4.7K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Duke University
Interacting with the System and Managing Memory
Skills you'll gain: Maintainability, Program Development, C (Programming Language), Software Engineering, System Programming, Programming Principles, Software Development, Simulations, Command-Line Interface, Operating Systems, User Interface (UI), Data Structures, Debugging, Data Import/Export, File Management
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
173 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Alberta
Fundamentals of Reinforcement Learning
Skills you'll gain: Reinforcement Learning, Machine Learning, Machine Learning Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, Markov Model, Algorithms, Probability Distribution
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.8K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months