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

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.

Best C Programming Courses & Certificates [2026]

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C Programming

C Programming Courses

C programming courses can help you learn syntax, data structures, algorithms, and memory management. You can build skills in debugging, optimizing code, and implementing efficient algorithms. Many courses introduce tools like GCC for compiling code, GDB for debugging, and libraries such as the Standard Template Library (STL) to enhance functionality. You'll also explore concepts like pointers, file handling, and dynamic memory allocation, which are crucial for developing robust applications.

Popular C Programming Courses and Certifications

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, Part 1: Programming Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Maintainability, Data Management
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
6.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New
Status: Free Trial
Microsoft
Microsoft Introduction to C++ Programming
Skills you'll gain: Debugging, C++ (Programming Language), API Design, Program Development, Software Documentation, Pseudocode, Software Architecture, Software Design, Maintainability, Computational Thinking, Data Structures, Programming Principles, Technical Documentation, Computer Programming, System Programming, Integrated Development Environments, Computer Programming Tools, Software Design Patterns, Microsoft Visual Studio, Performance Tuning
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Santa Cruz
Coding for Everyone: C and C++
Skills you'll gain: C++ (Programming Language), C (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Debugging, Software Design Patterns, Programming Principles, Object Oriented Design, Data Structures, Computer Programming, Algorithms, Command-Line Interface, Data-oriented programming, Maintainability, Graph Theory, Artificial Intelligence, Game Design, Data Management, File Management
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
9.5K 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, Python Programming, System Programming, Computer Architecture, Java, Performance Tuning, Numerical Analysis, Unix, Computer Science, Debugging
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
197 reviews
Intermediate · 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
428 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

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Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
Programming in C
Skills you'll gain: C (Programming Language), Programming Principles, C++ (Programming Language), Algorithms, Data Structures, System Programming, Numerical Analysis
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
62 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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, Program Development, Integrated Development Environments, Development Environment
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
94 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 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 Components, Computer Hardware, Integrated Development Environments, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Electronics Engineering, Program Development, Development Environment, Digital Communications, Open Source Technology
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
7.2K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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
4.1
Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
12 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
EDUCBA
Embedded C Programming Essentials
Skills you'll gain: Embedded Software, Debugging, Embedded Systems, Integrated Development Environments, C (Programming Language), Development Environment, Programming Principles, Data Storage, Computer Architecture, Software Installation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
70 reviews
Intermediate · 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, Human Computer Interaction, Debugging, Development Environment, Engineering Calculations
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
262 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Searches related to C Programming

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c programming: language foundations - 2

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c programming: pointers and memory management - 4

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c programming: modular programming and memory management - 3

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular C Programming courses

Introductory C Programming: Duke University
C for Everyone, Part 1: Programming Fundamentals: University of California, Santa Cruz
Microsoft Introduction to C++ Programming: Microsoft
Coding for Everyone: C and C++: University of California, Santa Cruz
C Programming for Everybody: University of Michigan
C Programming with Linux: Dartmouth College
Programming in C: University of Michigan
Introduction to Programming With C#: Microsoft
The Arduino Platform and C Programming: University of California, Irvine
Programming with C: Simplilearn

Frequently Asked Questions about 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.‎

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.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.