What are the best C programming courses online?

Browse the C programming courses below—popular starting points on Coursera. C for Everyone: Programming Fundamentals: University of California, Santa Cruz The Arduino Platform and C Programming: University of California, Irvine Programming in C: University of Michigan Programming with C: Simplilearn Embedded C Programming Essentials: EDUCBA

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.

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
7.4K 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), Code Review, Data Structures, Computer Programming, Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Integrated Development Environments, Software Technical Review, 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), C and C++, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Software Design Patterns, Code Review, Data Structures, Computer Programming, Algorithms, Command-Line Interface, Data-oriented programming, Programming Principles, Graph Theory, Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Artificial Intelligence, Integrated Development Environments, Software Technical Review, Game Design
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
9.5K 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, Embedded Systems, Embedded Software, Programming Principles, Computer Engineering, Linux Servers, File Systems, System Programming, Build Tools, Data Structures, Algorithms, Computer Architecture, Computer Programming, Software Documentation, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Debugging
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
425 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 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
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
82 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
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, Algorithms
3.9
Rating, 3.9 out of 5 stars
10 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

What brings you to Coursera today?

Start my career

Change my career

Grow in my current role

Explore topics outside of work

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, Computational Thinking, Computer Science, Algorithms, Animations, Simulations, Debugging
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 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
260 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Preview
Coursera Instructor Network
Getting Started with BSP and Embedded C
Skills you'll gain: Embedded Software, Embedded Systems, Computer Hardware, Hardware Architecture, Internet Of Things, System Software, Peripheral Devices, C (Programming Language), Software Architecture, Simulations, Development Environment, Debugging, Systems Integration
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
Duke University
Rust Programming
Skills you'll gain: Rust (Programming Language), Containerization, Data Pipelines, CI/CD, Docker (Software), Jenkins, DevOps, Large Language Modeling, Restful API, Serverless Computing, Generative AI, Amazon Web Services, Development Testing, Software Testing, Maintainability, Command-Line Interface, Prometheus (Software), Natural Language Processing, Computer Programming, Cloud Computing
3.9
Rating, 3.9 out of 5 stars
245 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado System
Computational Thinking with Beginning C Programming
Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Data Collection, Simulations, Data Analysis, Microsoft Visual Studio, C (Programming Language), Analysis, Automation, Program Development, Data Structures, Programming Principles, Algorithms, Computer Programming, Theoretical Computer Science, Data Storage, Data Store, Descriptive Statistics, Problem Management, Data Visualization Software, File Management
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
433 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months