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 take free C programming courses on Coursera?

Yes. You can start learning C programming on Coursera for free in two ways: Preview the first module of many C programming courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available). Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial. If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in C programming, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can 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

Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Introductory C Programming
Skills you'll gain: Debugging, Programming Principles, Maintainability, Software Testing, Program Development, C (Programming Language), Algorithms, Pseudocode, Simulations, System Programming, Computer Programming, Data Structures, Software Development, Software Engineering, Command-Line Interface, Operating Systems, Development Environment, User Interface (UI), Problem Solving, Software Design
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
7.3K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Santa Cruz
C for Everyone: Programming Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Debugging, C (Programming Language), Programming Principles, Data Structures, Computer Programming, Program Development, Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Integrated Development Environments, Algorithms
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
6.7K 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, Programming Principles, Data Structures, Computer Programming, Algorithms, Command-Line Interface, Graph Theory, Program Development, Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Integrated Development Environments, Artificial Intelligence, 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, Linux, Computer Programming Tools, Embedded Systems, Embedded Software, Programming Principles, Computer Engineering, Linux Servers, File Systems, System Programming, Build Tools, Algorithms, Computer Architecture, Computer Programming, Software Documentation, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Debugging
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
401 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Meta
Meta Full-Stack Developer
Skills you'll gain: Jest (JavaScript Testing Framework), Django (Web Framework), Version Control, Restful API, Responsive Web Design, Unix Commands, HTML and CSS, Git (Version Control System), GitHub, Relational Databases, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Database Management Systems, Bootstrap (Front-End Framework), React.js, Mobile Development, SQL, Database Design, API Design, Linux Commands, Python Programming
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
24K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
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, Human Computer Interaction, Debugging, Development Environment, Engineering Calculations
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
250 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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Status: Preview
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
3.8
Rating, 3.8 out of 5 stars
9 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Programming Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Algorithms, C (Programming Language), Computer Programming, Problem Solving
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Python for Data Science, AI & Development
Skills you'll gain: Jupyter, Python Programming, Data Structures, Web Scraping, Data Manipulation, Programming Principles, Pandas (Python Package), Computer Programming, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Restful API, NumPy, Application Programming Interface (API), Data Analysis, Data Import/Export, File Management
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
42K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
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), Problem Solving, Data Management
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
18K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Introduction to Programming With C#
Skills you'll gain: C# (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Debugging, .NET Framework, Microsoft Visual Studio, Microsoft Copilot, Microsoft Development Tools, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Integrated Development Environments, Development Environment
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
50 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
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 Programming, Java, Program Development, Computational Thinking, Computer Science, Algorithms, Animations, Debugging
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months