• For Individuals
  • For Businesses
  • For Universities
  • For Governments
Degrees
​
Log In
Join for Free
  1. Categories
  2. Computer Programming

Computer Programming Courses for Beginners

Beginner computer programming courses can help you learn coding basics, data types, control structures, and simple algorithms. You can build skills in problem-solving, debugging, and writing clean, efficient code. Many courses introduce tools like Python, JavaScript, and integrated development environments (IDEs) such as Visual Studio Code, that support writing and testing your programs. You'll also explore concepts like functions, loops, and conditionals, providing a solid foundation for further study in software development or data analysis.

Popular Beginner Computer Programming Courses and Certifications


  • P

    Princeton University

    Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose

    Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Code Reusability, Java Programming, Java, Program Development, Computer Science, Algorithms, Animations

    4.7 stars, 1.4K reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.7 (1.4K) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: Free
    Free
  • I

    IBM

    Introduction to Software, Programming, and Databases

    Skills you'll gain: Relational Databases, Cloud Deployment, Programming Principles, Cloud Computing Architecture, Database Systems, Generative AI, Package and Software Management, Cloud Services, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Artificial Intelligence, Application Deployment, Analytics, Proxy Servers, Big Data, Query Languages, Computer Programming, Open Source Technology, Computational Logic

    4.7 stars, 475 reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.7 (475) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • U

    University of London

    Introduction to Computer Programming

    Skills you'll gain: Debugging, Development Environment, Javascript, Computer Graphics, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Data Management, Data Storage, Maintainability

    4.1 stars, 938 reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 4 Weeks

    ★ 4.1 (938) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • U

    University of London

    Introduction to Computer Science and Programming

    Skills you'll gain: Computer Science, Debugging, Development Environment, Computer Systems, Web Applications, Arithmetic, Computer Literacy, General Networking, Javascript, Network Security, Computer Networking, Application Security, Applied Mathematics, Computer Graphics, Cybersecurity, Computer Programming, General Mathematics, Mathematical Modeling, Data Management, Problem Solving

    4.2 stars, 1.6K reviews, Beginner, Specialization, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.2 (1.6K) · Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
    Category: Build toward a degree
    Build toward a degree
  • Unlock 3 months of Google AI Pro at no extra cost today.

    Get started
  • U

    University of Alberta

    Problem Solving, Python Programming, and Video Games

    Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Video Game Development, Game Design, Software Quality (SQA/SQC), Problem Solving, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Program Development, Algorithms, Python Programming, Computer Science, Debugging, Test Planning, Functional Testing, Other Programming Languages

    4.3 stars, 239 reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.3 (239) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: Free
    Free
  • What brings you to Coursera today?

  • C

    Coursera

    Create Your First Python Program From UST

    Skills you'll gain: Python Programming, Command-Line Interface, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Computer Programming Tools, Program Development

    4.6 stars, 3.1K reviews, Beginner, Guided Project, Less Than 2 Hours

    ★ 4.6 (3.1K) · Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

    Category: Free
    Free
  • U

    University of Pennsylvania

    Introduction to Python Programming

    Skills you'll gain: File I/O, Data Structures, Programming Principles, Computer Programming Tools, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Integrated Development Environments, Software Documentation, Jupyter

    4.6 stars, 1.3K reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 4 Weeks

    ★ 4.6 (1.3K) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • B

    Ball State University

    Introduction to Programming

    Skills you'll gain: Program Development, Data Analysis, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Analytics, Python Programming, Natural Language Processing, Computer Science, NumPy, Code Reusability

    4.7 stars, 31 reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.7 (31) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: Preview
    Preview
    Category: Build toward a degree
    Build toward a degree
  • L

    LearnQuest

    Introduction to Computer Programming with Visual Basic

    Skills you'll gain: Unified Modeling Language, File I/O, Visual Basic (Programming Language), Database Management, System Software, Databases, Relational Databases, Algorithms, Computer Architecture, Network Security, Computer Hardware, SQL, Computer Science, Development Environment, Data Structures, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Object Oriented Design, Program Development, Computer Programming, Microsoft Visual Studio

    4.6 stars, 176 reviews, Beginner, Specialization, 3 - 6 Months

    ★ 4.6 (176) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • E

    EDUCBA

    C Programming on Linux: GCC, Pointers & Functions

    Skills you'll gain: C (Programming Language), Memory Management, System Programming, C and C++, Linux, Code Reusability, Programming Principles, Linux Commands, Linux Administration, Linux Servers, Command-Line Interface, Arithmetic, Build Tools, System Software, Program Development, Development Environment, Process Control, Operations Management, Process Development, Environment

    Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: New
    New
    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • D

    Duke University

    Introductory C Programming

    Skills you'll gain: Debugging, File I/O, Memory Management, Programming Principles, Maintainability, Software Testing, Program Development, C (Programming Language), Algorithms, Simulations, Computer Programming, Data Structures, Software Development, Software Engineering, Command-Line Interface, Problem Solving, Software Design

    4.6 stars, 7.5K reviews, Beginner, Specialization, 3 - 6 Months

    ★ 4.6 (7.5K) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Category: Job skills
    Job skills
    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • D

    Duke University

    Rust Programming

    Skills you'll gain: Rust (Programming Language), Containerization, Data Pipelines, CI/CD, Docker (Software), Jenkins, Application Deployment, DevOps, Continuous Integration, Hugging Face, Large Language Modeling, Test Case, Restful API, Serverless Computing, Generative AI, Memory Management, Command-Line Interface, Natural Language Processing, Computer Programming, Cloud Computing

    3.9 stars, 317 reviews, Beginner, Specialization, 3 - 6 Months

    ★ 3.9 (317) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
1234…401

Best free Computer Programming courses

High-quality free Computer Programming courses you can start today.

  1. 1
    Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose
    Princeton UniversityBeginner1 - 3 Months4.7(1,391)Free
  2. 2
    Problem Solving, Python Programming, and Video Games
    University of AlbertaBeginner1 - 3 Months4.3(239)Free
  3. 3
    Create Your First Python Program From UST
    CourseraBeginnerLess Than 2 Hours4.6(3,112)Free

Best Computer Programming courses from University of London

Top-rated Computer Programming courses offered by University of London on Coursera.

  1. 1
    Introduction to Computer Programming
    University of LondonBeginner1 - 4 Weeks4.1(938)University of London
  2. 2
    Introduction to Computer Science and Programming
    University of LondonBeginner1 - 3 Months4.2(1,564)University of London

Best Computer Programming certificate programs

Earn a certificate in Computer Programming from top universities and companies.

  1. 1
    Introduction to Computer Programming with Visual Basic
    LearnQuestBeginner3 - 6 Months4.6(176)Specialization
  2. 2
    C Programming on Linux: GCC, Pointers & Functions
    EDUCBABeginner1 - 3 MonthsSpecialization
  3. 3
    Introductory C Programming
    Duke UniversityBeginner3 - 6 Months4.6(7,495)Specialization

Best Computer Programming courses for beginners

Top-rated beginner-friendly Computer Programming courses with no prerequisites.

  1. 1
    Introduction to Software, Programming, and Databases
    IBMBeginner1 - 3 Months4.7(475)No prerequisites
  2. 2
    Introduction to Python Programming
    University of PennsylvaniaBeginner1 - 4 Weeks4.6(1,273)No prerequisites
  3. 3
    Introduction to Programming
    Ball State UniversityBeginner1 - 3 Months4.7(31)No prerequisites

Other topics to explore

Arts and Humanities
338 courses
Business
1095 courses
Computer Science
668 courses
Data Science
425 courses
Information Technology
145 courses
Health
471 courses
Math and Logic
70 courses
Personal Development
137 courses
Physical Science and Engineering
413 courses
Social Sciences
401 courses
Language Learning
150 courses

Coursera Footer

Skills

  • Accounting
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Analytics
  • Digital Marketing
  • Human Resources (HR)
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Project Management
  • Python
  • SQL

Professional Certificates

  • Google AI Certificate
  • Google Cybersecurity Certificate
  • Google Data Analytics Certificate
  • Google IT Support Certificate
  • Google Project Management Certificate
  • Google UX Design Certificate
  • IBM AI Engineering Certificate
  • IBM AI Product Manager Certificate
  • IBM Data Science Certificate
  • Intuit Academy Bookkeeping Certificate

Courses & Specializations

  • AI Essentials Specialization
  • AI For Business Specialization
  • AI For Everyone Course
  • AI in Healthcare Specialization
  • Deep Learning Specialization
  • Excel Skills for Business Specialization
  • Financial Markets Course
  • Machine Learning Specialization
  • Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT Course
  • Python for Everybody Specialization

Career Resources

  • Career Aptitude Test
  • CAPM Certification Requirements
  • CompTIA A+ Certification Requirements
  • CompTIA Security+ Certification Requirements
  • Essential IT Certifications
  • High-Income Skills to Learn
  • How to Learn Artificial Intelligence
  • PMP Certification Requirements
  • Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
  • Share your Coursera learning story

Coursera

  • About
  • What We Offer
  • Leadership
  • Careers
  • Catalog
  • Coursera Plus
  • Professional Certificates
  • MasterTrack® Certificates
  • Degrees
  • For Enterprise
  • For Government
  • For Campus
  • Become a Partner
  • Social Impact
  • Free Courses
  • Udemy

Community

  • Learners
  • Partners
  • Beta Testers
  • Blog
  • The Coursera Podcast
  • Tech Blog

More

  • Press
  • Investors
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Help
  • Accessibility
  • Contact
  • Articles
  • Directory
  • Affiliates
  • Modern Slavery Statement
  • Do Not Sell/Share
Learn Anywhere
Download on the App Store
Get it on Google Play
© 2026 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Coursera Facebook
  • Coursera Linkedin
  • Coursera Twitter
  • Coursera YouTube
  • Coursera Instagram
  • Coursera TikTok