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 California, Santa Cruz
C++ For C Programmers, Part B
Skills you'll gain: C++ (Programming Language), Software Design Patterns, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Computer Programming, C (Programming Language), Debugging, Algorithms, Graph Theory, Artificial Intelligence, Data Structures, Game Design
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
327 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Colorado System
C++ Programming for Unreal Game Development
Skills you'll gain: Unreal Engine, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), C++ (Programming Language), Video Game Development, Debugging, Computer Programming, Event-Driven Programming, Unity Engine, Data Structures, C# (Programming Language), Game Design, Data Storage, Software Design Patterns, Development Environment, Software Documentation, UI Components, Programming Principles, Software Architecture, Software Design, Application Development
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
204 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
IBM
Introduction to Software Engineering
Skills you'll gain: Software Development Life Cycle, Software Architecture, Software Design, Scrum (Software Development), Software Engineering, Agile Methodology, Software Development Methodologies, Unified Modeling Language, Programming Principles, Application Development, Web Development, Python Programming
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Stanford University
Cryptography I
Skills you'll gain: Cryptography, Data Encryption Standard, Encryption, Key Management, Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), Public Key Cryptography Standards (PKCS), Cybersecurity, Authentications, Data Integrity, Secure Coding, Algorithms
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
4.4K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Introducción a la programación en Python I: Aprendiendo a programar con Python
Skills you'll gain: Python Programming, Data Structures, Computer Programming, Program Development, Application Development, Algorithms, File Management
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
4.8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Python and Statistics for Financial Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Inference, Statistical Methods, Pandas (Python Package), Probability & Statistics, Risk Analysis, Financial Trading, Financial Data, Data Manipulation, Statistical Analysis, Regression Analysis, Financial Analysis, Jupyter, Financial Modeling
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
4.5K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of California San Diego
Big Data
Skills you'll gain: Apache Spark, Apache Hadoop, Data Integration, Exploratory Data Analysis, Big Data, Graph Theory, Data Pipelines, Database Design, Data Modeling, Regression Analysis, Applied Machine Learning, Data Presentation, Scalability, Data Mining, Data Processing, Statistical Analysis, Data Management, NoSQL, Database Management Systems, Network Analysis
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
14K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Michigan
Web Applications for Everybody
Skills you'll gain: Database Design, SQL, MySQL, PHP (Scripting Language), Relational Databases, JSON, jQuery, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Javascript and jQuery, Ajax, Databases, Data Modeling, Database Application, Database Development, Debugging, Web Applications, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Web Development, Authentications, Web Development Tools
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
9.2K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
SAS
SAS Programmer
Skills you'll gain: Data Manipulation, SAS (Software), Data Access, Data Import/Export, Microsoft Excel, Data Analysis, Consolidation, Data Transformation, Requirements Analysis, Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Validation, Statistical Programming, Statistical Analysis, Data Processing, SQL, Data Presentation, Data Cleansing, Descriptive Statistics, Debugging
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
3.5K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Functional Programming Principles in Scala
Skills you'll gain: Scala Programming, Programming Principles, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Functional Design, Computer Programming, Data Structures, Integrated Development Environments, Javascript, Algorithms
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
8.3K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of California, Santa Cruz
Bayesian Statistics
Skills you'll gain: Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Bayesian Statistics, R Programming, Forecasting, Statistical Inference, Statistical Modeling, Technical Communication, Data Analysis, Probability, Statistical Machine Learning, Statistical Methods, Statistical Analysis, Advanced Analytics, Mathematical Modeling, Microsoft Excel, Markov Model, Probability Distribution, Probability & Statistics, Unsupervised Learning, Regression Analysis
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
3.5K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
DeepLearning.AI
Linear Algebra for Machine Learning and Data Science
Skills you'll gain: Linear Algebra, NumPy, Dimensionality Reduction, Machine Learning Methods, Jupyter, Data Manipulation, Data Science, Applied Mathematics, Python Programming, Image Analysis, Artificial Intelligence
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks