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
Introductory C Programming
Skills you'll gain: Debugging, Maintainability, Programming Principles, Algorithms, Software Testing, Program Development, C (Programming Language), Pseudocode, Computational Thinking, Software Engineering, Simulations, System Programming, Data Structures, Software Development, Computer Programming, Command-Line Interface, Operating Systems, Development Environment, User Interface (UI), Data Import/Export
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
7.3K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of California, Santa Cruz
C for Everyone: Programming Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Debugging, C (Programming Language), Code Review, Data Structures, Computer Programming, Program Development, Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Integrated Development Environments, Software Technical Review, Algorithms
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
6.6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of California, Santa Cruz
Coding for Everyone: C and C++
Skills you'll gain: C++ (Programming Language), Debugging, C (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Software Design Patterns, Code Review, Data Structures, Computer Programming, Algorithms, Command-Line Interface, Programming Principles, Program Development, Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Integrated Development Environments, Graph Theory, Artificial Intelligence, Software Technical Review, File Systems, Game Design
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
9.4K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Dartmouth College
C Programming with Linux
Skills you'll gain: Command-Line Interface, C (Programming Language), Linux Commands, Computer Programming Tools, Embedded Systems, Embedded Software, Programming Principles, Computer Engineering, Linux Servers, Linux, File Systems, System Programming, Build Tools, Data Structures, Unix, Program Development, Development Environment, Algorithms, Computer Architecture, Software Documentation
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
398 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Dartmouth College
C Programming: Getting Started - 1
Skills you'll gain: C (Programming Language), Software Documentation, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Embedded Software, Debugging, Development Environment
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
248 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Duke University
Programming Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Algorithms, Pseudocode, Computational Thinking, Computer Programming, Data Structures, Software Testing, Debugging
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Simplilearn
Programming with C
Skills you'll gain: C (Programming Language), Data Structures, C++ (Programming Language), Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Data Management, System Programming, Data Storage, Algorithms, Development Environment
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
7 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Princeton University
Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Performance Tuning, Data Structures, Java, Computational Thinking, Computer Science, Algorithms, Animations, Debugging
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
IBM
Python for Data Science, AI & Development
Skills you'll gain: Jupyter, Automation, Web Scraping, Python Programming, Data Manipulation, Data Import/Export, Scripting, Data Structures, Data Processing, Data Collection, Application Programming Interface (API), Pandas (Python Package), Programming Principles, NumPy, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Computer Programming
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
41K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Vanderbilt University
Introduction to Programming with MATLAB
Skills you'll gain: Matlab, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, UI Components, Software Design, Debugging, Mathematical Software, Development Environment, Computer Science, File Management, Algorithms, Data Import/Export, Data Structures, Engineering Calculations, Plot (Graphics), Data Management
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
18K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Duke University
Rust Programming
Skills you'll gain: Rust (Programming Language), Containerization, Data Pipelines, CI/CD, Docker (Software), DevOps, Jenkins, Unit Testing, Large Language Modeling, Test Case, Restful API, Serverless Computing, Generative AI, Command-Line Interface, Amazon Web Services, Development Testing, Software Testing, Maintainability, Prometheus (Software), MLOps (Machine Learning Operations)
4
Rating, 4 out of 5 stars
207 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Codio
Programming in C++: A Hands-on Introduction
Skills you'll gain: Data Import/Export, C++ (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Validation, Object Oriented Design, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Data Structures, File Management, Integrated Development Environments, Software Documentation, Computer Science, Pseudocode, Maintainability, Data Storage
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months