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.

Best C Courses & Certificates Online [2025]

Find the Best C Programming Course for Your Goals

Status: Free Trial
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
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
C Programming for Everybody
Skills you'll gain: C (Programming Language), C++ (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Structures, Programming Principles, Algorithms, Computer Programming, Software Design, Application Security, Other Programming Languages, Python Programming, System Programming, Java, Performance Tuning, Numerical Analysis, Unix, Computer Science, Debugging
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
162 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore
Introduction to Programming with C Language
Skills you'll gain: C (Programming Language), Programming Principles, Data Structures, Computer Programming, Algorithms, File Management, Data Storage, Integrated Development Environments, Debugging
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
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
Status: Free Trial
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
Status: Free Trial
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
399 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Packt
Complete Modern C++ (C++11/14/17)
Skills you'll gain: C++ (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Development Environment, Computer Programming, Microsoft Visual Studio, Software Design Patterns, Data Structures, System Programming, Algorithms, File Systems, Performance Tuning, Apple Xcode, Debugging, Maintainability, File Management
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Programming in C
Skills you'll gain: C (Programming Language), Programming Principles, C++ (Programming Language), Algorithms, Data Structures, Other Programming Languages, System Programming, Numerical Analysis
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
55 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: New
Packt
Introduction to Programming with C#12 and .NET8
Skills you'll gain: GitHub, Version Control, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Debugging, Development Environment, C# (Programming Language), Microsoft Visual Studio, Microsoft Development Tools, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Integrated Development Environments, .NET Framework, Data Structures
Beginner · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Irvine
The Arduino Platform and C Programming
Skills you'll gain: Embedded Software, Embedded Systems, Debugging, C (Programming Language), Electronic Hardware, Integrated Development Environments, Electronic Components, Development Environment, Computer Programming Tools, Computer Hardware, Computer Programming, Digital Communications
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
7.2K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
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
249 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
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
Rating, 4 out of 5 stars
8 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks