To pursue a programming career in systems engineering or DevOps, you need to be an expert in the C programming language. Fortunately, there are a variety of online C programming courses, classes, and training that can help you hone your expertise.
Today, this programming skill can be applied in many ways. You can use C to code things like integrated development environments (IDEs), graphical user interfaces, and functional applications. Although it’s one of the oldest languages, C has influenced a variety of modern programming languages and it continues to play a crucial role in systems programming.
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What Is C?
The C language is a low-level, general-purpose programming language used to write operating systems such as Linux, Microsoft Windows, macOS, mobile operating systems like Android, and database management systems. It is also used in developing integrated development environments and user interfaces, which facilitates the design of software applications.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Attending an Online C Course
Which Aspects of C Programming Would You Like to Learn?
A lot can be achieved using C. What you decide to learn will depend on your motivation for learning the language. Are you looking to explore a career that requires knowledge of C? Are you seeking to close your skill gap and become a better programmer? Or are you simply testing the waters to see if C is the right language for you?
Regardless, everyone new to C should start with the fundamentals. Read up on its history and evolution, along with examples of practical applications. Go over core topics like syntax, variables, data, pointers, arrays, and strings. Some of the best C courses online are designed to help you cover all aspects of C programming in the most comprehensive way possible.
Should You Attend a Coding Bootcamp to Learn C?
Coding bootcamps use in-depth and market-led curricula with a focus on popular programming languages like C. Oftentimes, C training is incorporated into a curriculum that also covers other C-based languages like C# and C++. C programming bootcamps can help you build a strong programming foundation by participating in real-life projects.
The Best Online C Courses: An Overview
To learn C in a way that allows you to build strong programming fundamentals, you need to invest in technical programs that will give you a deeper understanding of how this language is applied to major operating systems and applications. Listed below are some of the best C courses online and training programs.
| Provider | Course | Price | Length | Certificate |
| Bright Star Institute | C/C++ Programmer Certificate | $2,400 | 63 Hours | Yes |
| Coursera | Coding for Everyone: C and C++ Specialization | $49 Per Month | 6 Months | Yes |
| Coursera | Computational Thinking with Beginning C Programming | $49 Per Month | 4 Months | Yes |
| Coursera | Introductory C Programming Specialization | $49 Per Month | 5 Months | Yes |
| Coursera | The Arduino Platform and C Programming | $49 Per Month | 4 Weeks | Yes |
| Developer Bootcamp | C/C++ Programmer Bootcamp | $2,400 | 63 Hours | Yes |
| edX | C Programming with Linux Professional Certificate | $553 | 9 Months | No |
| edX | Programming Basics | $149 | 9 Weeks | Yes |
| Pluralsight | Getting Started With the C Language | $29-$45 Per Month | 2 Hours, 26 Minutes | Yes |
| Qwasar Silicon Valley | Software Engineering: C Programming | $2,400 | 12 Months | No |
| Udemy | Advanced C Programming Course | $90 | 28 Hours | Yes |
| Udemy | Complete C Programming Course: C Language for Students | $100 | 3 Hours, 16 Minutes | Yes |
| Udemy | C Programming for Beginners: Master the C Language | $110 | 24 Hours | Yes |
| Udemy | Pointers in C Programming: Master the C Language | $95 | 14 Hours, 19 Minutes | Yes |
| Udemy | The Complete C Programming Bootcamp | $59 | 25 Hours | Yes |
| Dartmouth University on edX | C Programming Tutorials for Beginners | Free | 5 weeks | No |
| freeCodeCamp | C Programming Tutorials for Beginners | Free | 3 hours 46 mins | No |
| Learn C | Free Interactive C Tutorial | Free | 22 exercises | No |
| Udemy | C Programming Bootcamp: From Scratch | Free | 1 hour 15 mins | No |
| Udemy | Quickstart Guide for C Programming | Free | 3 hours 23 mins | No |
The Best Online C Classes, Courses, or Training
There is a wide range of online C programming courses that can help you master this low-level procedural language. You can find robust technical programs that start from as little as $49. The more complex the curriculum, the higher the fees would be. Programming newbies can also find C courses online that are designed to help them build a strong foundation in C.
C Programming Certificate | Bright Star Institute
- Learning Format: Certificate Program
- Level: Intermediate to Advanced
- Subjects Covered: C programming, C++ programming for C programmers, object-oriented analysis and design with UML, SQL
This certificate program trains you for a career as a C or C++ developer. You’ll get in-depth knowledge of C language basics and integrated development environments. You’ll also learn the fundamental storage classes, data types, and scope of C programming.
This course explores the core concepts of object oriented programming such as encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, and C++ syntax. By the end of the program, you’ll understand the concept of flow control constructs, multidimensional arrays, command-line arguments, and other functionality of C++.
Key Takeaway: This is a certificate program whose comprehensive approach to the subject combines lectures and hands-on training. Its two courses also prepare you to take the C Programming Language Certified Associate and C++ Certified Associate Programmer exams.
Coding for Everyone: C and C++ Specialization | Coursera
- Learning Format: Series of four courses
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: C programming, c++, coding, algorithms, computer programming, C++11, graph theory, graph algorithms, standard template library
This four-course specialization program is facilitated by Coursera and offered by the University of California, Santa Cruz. This program is designed for aspiring or current tech workers, and provides students who complete all four courses with shareable certificates of completion. To be eligible for the certificates, you must pay $49 per month for a subscription plan.
The four courses included are Programming Fundamentals, Structured Programming, C++ for C Programmers, Parts A and B. Within these courses, students will learn how to write and debug code in C and C++, and develop a firm understanding of algorithms and their functions. Additional hands-on training is also available as a part of this program.
Key Takeaway: This four-course specialization program is ideal for anyone who wants to learn C or C++ programming from scratch. It is one of the best C online courses for beginners on the platform, with a 4.4-star rating from over 2,000 learners.
Computational Thinking with Beginning C Programming | Coursera
- Learning Format: Series of Four Courses
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Algorithms, data collection, data analysis, abstraction, pointers, simulation
This specialization program focuses on training students to apply computational thinking to C programming concepts, which can then be applied to real-life problems. You’ll start by learning to write your C programs for STEM computations and continue onto variables, constants, conditional statements, and data types.
During the program, you’ll learn about reading and writing files, automation, simulation, and parallelization. You’ll also learn how to conduct complex algorithmic analysis and use pointers in programming. This specialization program includes unlimited access to course material and graded assignments, self-paced learning, and shareable specialization and course certificates.
Key Takeaway: This specialization is offered by Coursera in collaboration with the University of Colorado, and will provide you with knowledge and skills for your professional life.
Introductory C Programming | Coursera
- Learning Format: Series of Four Courses
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Software development process, C programming, algorithms, software engineering, computer programming, programming language concepts, compilers, and debugging
This four-course specialization is offered by Coursera and Duke University. It’s designed for students who want to pursue programming jobs that involve C coding. The four courses in this specialization are Programming Fundamentals; Writing, Running, and Fixing Code in C; Pointers, Arrays, and Recursion; and Interacting with the System and Managing Memory.
Coursera allows participants to learn at their own pace and provides a free audit version for students who aren’t ready to financially invest in the program. Upon completing the four courses, students earn shareable specialization and course certificates. This is one of the best online C programming courses for C programming novices.
Key Takeaway: This four-course specialization program introduces students to C programming on a flexible schedule. You can add certificates to your resume and LinkedIn profile to boost your employability.
The Arduino Platform and C Programming | Coursera
- Learning Format: Full Course
- Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: Arduino environment, C programming, Arduino programs
This course is facilitated by Coursera and offered by the University of California, Irvine. It focuses on the efficient use of C programming for building interactive objects and digital devices on the Arduino platform. It’s the second of six courses in an Internet of things (IoT) specialization.
As part of your program, you’ll learn how to install the Arduino integrated development environment, understand the role of libraries in shields, understand the process of debugging embedded systems software, and get to know basic data structures, variables, types, operators, conditionals, and loops.
Key Takeaway: This course is part of a specialization program with a focus on IoT but it can be taken as a standalone program. It equips students with a valuable C programming skillset all on its own.
C/C++ Programmer Bootcamp | Developer Bootcamp
- Learning Format: Bootcamp program
- Level: Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: C language basics, development environment, data types and storage classes, C runtime library standard I/o functions, encapsulation in C++, strings in C++, fundamental features in C++
This program ensures that students build proficiency in C and C++ programming. You’ll learn fundamental concepts like data types and standard function libraries, as well as core concepts of object-oriented programming, such as encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism.
This is an intermediate bootcamp program, which means students are required to have programming experience before enrolling. They also receive a certificate upon successful completion. If you’re a beginner and you want to pursue this program, Developer Bootcamp offers a free introductory course.
Key Takeaway: This intermediate bootcamp program is designed to cover all of the fundamentals of C programming and prepares students for the C Programming Language Certified Associate and C++ Certified Associate Programmer exams.
C Programming with Linux Professional Certificate | edX
- Learning Format: Series of seven courses
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: C programming foundations, modular programming and memory management, pointers, advanced data types, command line, Linux tools
This seven-course professional certificate program is offered by edX in collaboration with Dartmouth and Institut Mines-Télécom. It mainly focuses on the C programming language in conjunction with Linux. You’ll develop proficiency in debugging code using the C language and learn the fundamentals of computer programming.
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In the Linux portion of the course, you’ll learn how to control the command line and manage various processes, understand the concepts of files and memory, compile the C code with Linux, and access memory space using pointers.
Key Takeaway: This program is ideal for students who want to qualify for positions that use both C programming and Linux. Upon successful completion of the program, students earn a professional certificate that they can show to potential employers.
Programming Basics | edX
- Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Elements of C/C++ programming languages, algorithms, basic data types, sequential and conditional execution, interactive solutions, basics of software engineering, functions, structures, elements of string processing, introduction to pointers
This course is provided by edX in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. It’s designed for students who want a general overview of programming and it covers basic programming skills, writing in C and C++, good programming practices, and handling large and complex programs.
This course includes unlimited access to course content, graded assignments and exams, edX support, and a shareable certificate. If you want to sample the course before financially investing in it, edX allows students access to course materials through the audit version.
Key Takeaway: This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to programming basics. Prior experience other than high school-level math is not required. Upon successful completion, students receive a shareable certificate.
Getting Started with the C Language | Pluralsight
- Learning Format: Full Course
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: C programming, variables, basic standard I/O, strings, loops, reusing code, functions
This course teaches you how to build your proficiency and develop systems applications using C programming. Pluralsight provides students with several subscription options including an annual and a monthly plan. For $29 a month, students can access all core courses and assessments. For $45 a month, students can access more courses, exams, and projects.
Throughout this course, you’ll learn to write your C code using the command-line and IDEs, utilize C syntax for making basic decisions, create loops and statements, use pointers, and write functions in C. By the end of the course, you’ll be able to write basic applications in C.
Key Takeaway: This C Pluralsight course is ideal for programming newbies or experienced programmers who want a refresher in C.
Software Engineering: C Programming | Qwasar Silicon Valley
- Learning Format: Bootcamp program
- Level: Beginner to Intermediate
- Subjects Covered: JavaScript, IDEs, terminal, C programming, C IDEassembly, C and shell virtual machines, socket programming, C++ and OOP, elixir, network programming
This program is a full programming journey made up of what Qwasar refers to as seasons. Topics covered include basic software engineering, fundamental computer programming concepts, basic and advanced concepts of C, and object-oriented programming. The last season requires students to complete a hands-on project with advanced technical features.
There are multiple program options available. In this 12-month program, students join a cohort, meet live one to three times a day, participate in live coding sessions, attend interviews, and are required to commit for at least three months to the program. This is one of the best online C programming courses for learners who enjoy a collaborative programming environment.
Key Takeaway: This software engineering program is designed to equip students with technical skills, soft skills, and industry experience. Program graduates earn an elite certificate and are provided with extensive career services.
Advanced C Programming Course | Udemy
- Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
- Level: Advanced
- Subjects Covered: Working with large programs, storage classes, advanced data types, type qualifiers, bit manipulation, advanced control flow, advanced function concepts, advanced pointers, interprocess communication and signals, macros
Udemy offers this advanced course to students who have experience in C programming. Throughout the course, students will learn about threads and networking with sockets, advanced C language concepts, applying C language concepts to C and other applications, writing high-quality C code, and a variety of other advanced topics.
This course includes 28 hours of video, one article, one downloadable resource, lifetime access, and a certificate of completion. This course is also very reputable in the tech industry where companies like Apple, Netflix, and Eventbrite are offering it to their employees.
Key Takeaway: This course provides advanced learners with a thorough understanding of advanced C programming concepts, functions, and applications. Students who complete this course earn a widely recognized certificate of completion.
Complete C Programming Course: C Language for Students | Udemy
- Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Introduction to general programming fundamentals, environment setup, variables and data types, conditions and control flow, loops, functions, arrays, matrix, pointers, and recursions
This beginner course includes 301 on-demand lectures, four articles, three downloadable resources, lifetime access, a certificate of completion, and a plethora of quizzes, assignments, and exercises. Students are provided with hands-on exercises or quizzes between each topic to ensure comprehension.
By the end of this course, students will understand the fundamentals of C programming, C program structure, casting, recursion, unions, and constants, as well as how to create, read, manipulate, and print strings.
Key Takeaway: This course is designed for college-level students who want to pursue a career that involves C programming. Theory is combined with plenty of hands-on practice to provide students with a tactile learning approach.
C Programming For Beginners: Master the C Language | Udemy
- Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Basic concepts, variables and data types, operators, control flow, arrays, functions, character strings, debugging, pointers, structure, file inputs and outputs, the standard C library
This foundational C programming course is offered by Udemy and is designed for absolute beginners. It includes 24 hours of on-demand video, one article, one downloadable resource, lifetime access, and a certificate of completion.
By the end of the course, students will understand the fundamentals of the C programming language, variables, and different data types, as well as how to write high-quality code. This course will prepare students for entry-level jobs in coding.
Key Takeaway: This course is most ideal for absolute beginners. It includes all of the fundamental C programming concepts, functions, and structures, and prepares students for the workplace.
Pointers in C Programming: Master the C Language | Udemy
- Learning Format: Full course
- Level: Advanced
- Subjects Covered: Pointers, arrays, dynamic memory allocation, strings, enums, constants
This advanced programming course allows students to learn at their own pace through 14 and a half hours of on-demand video and one article. Additionally, students earn a certificate of completion at the end and have unlimited access to the course content.
Some of the topics covered in this course include pointers, dynamic memory allocation, strings, Valgrind, and many other related topics. As this is an advanced course, students are required to have basic C programming knowledge and experience.
Key Takeaway: This course functions as an excellent professional development option. It’s also ideal for anyone who wants to upskill.
The Complete C Programming Bootcamp | Udemy
- Learning Format: Full course with hands-on training
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Basic concepts, variables and data types, pointer, Visual Studio Code, data manipulation
This course is facilitated by Coursera and offered by Byte Garage, a collective of seasoned developers and instructors. It focuses on teaching students how to create professional C programs with Visual Studio Code. You’ll explore a variety of related concepts, including data types, pointers, macros, and preprocessors.
Coursera allows students to audit this course for free but restricts access to graded assignments and exams. The paid version includes all of these features, in addition to a shareable certificate and peer and mentor support. This is a great program for people looking to learn programming from scratch.
Key Takeaway: This course is ideal for anyone who wants to learn how to program firmware for embedded systems. Students can audit this class for free instead of making early financial commitments.
The Best Free Online C Courses
One good way for you to explore C programming as a beginner is to sign up for C courses online that are free. They are typically short-term programs that focus on the basic structure or a specific area of C programming. Below are our top five picks of the best free online C programming courses.
C Programming Tutorials for Beginners | Dartmouth University on edX
- Learning Format: On-demand video
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Computer science basics, concept of variables, ways to create simple C programs using for-loops
Learners can audit this online C programming course for free and gain access to the video tutorials as well as limited access to course materials. You’ll learn how to create simple C programs, print results to the screen, store values in variables, and repeat code using loops. Learners also get instant feedback while learning when using the in-browser coding tools.
Key Takeaway: Learn C programming from scratch with this course, taught by a professor at Dartmouth College, Petra Bonfert-Taylor, and an associate professor at Institut Mines-Télécom in France, Rémi Sharrock. Learners who enjoy this course can opt for the full C programming series at only $79 a month.
C Programming Tutorials for Beginners | freeCodeCamp
- Learning Format: Online videos and supporting text materials
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Basic concepts, variables, data types, control flow, arrays, loops, memory addresses, pointers
This is one of the most popular free online c programming courses. Available on freeCodeCamp’s Youtube channel, this course discusses the major components of C programming in a concise and easy to understand manner. In less than four hours of study, learners will go over core topics like arrays, functions, loops, and more.
Key Takeaway: Reviewers complimented the course for its conciseness and clear delivery. You learn by going through video and on-screen text explanation, along with video examples.
Free Interactive C Tutorial | Learn C
- Learning Format: Tutorial
- Level: Beginners
- Subjects Covered: Variables, arrays, conditions, strings, loops, pointers, binary trees
The topics in this course are divided into two difficulty levels: basic and advanced. You begin with a quick introduction to C programming and move on to the fundamentals like variables, arrays, conditions, strings, and more. The on-screen text instruction is kept simple and clear to facilitate learning. Multiple examples are also provided as you go through each topic.
Key Takeaway: This course is suitable for people looking to fortify their skills through C exercises and quizzes. The interactive exercises can help provide some hands-on experience as you get to learn through try-and-error.
C Programming Bootcamp: From Scratch | Udemy
- Learning Format: On-demand video
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Basics of C programming, C syntax, C functions, some advanced C functionalities
This course comprises free online C tutorials, designed and taught by an experienced developer and mentor in the tech industry. In just 74 minutes, learners will be exposed to the basic implementation of different C concepts across 13 sections. Many learners who have taken this course gave positive feedback, saying that it’s a good introduction to C programming.
Key Takeaway: This free course is great for people who want to learn C fundamentals and basic structure in just a little over one hour.
Quickstart Guide for C Programming | Udemy
- Learning Format: On-demand video
- Level: Beginner
- Subjects Covered: Variables, text manipulation, IDEs, conditions, loops, functions
This free online C programming course starts with the basic terminology and syntax in C before moving on to more advanced topics like loops, low-level text manipulation, and functions. It is divided into eight sections with a total duration of three hours and 23 minutes. So far, over 14,000 learners have taken this course on Udemy.
Key Takeaway: This course is suitable for people looking for a straightforward introduction to C programming. It can be beneficial for beginners who are also interested in learning other programming languages in the future.
C Course Certificates vs Certifications
C programming certifications and certificates both help to enhance your resume, but in different ways. Certificates are earned through completing an associated course and serve as proof of that. Meanwhile, certifications are earned through passing an associated exam and serve as proof of eligibility for an associated job role.
Importance of C Certifications
C programming certifications are extremely valuable for professional development and advancement. As certifications can only be earned through passing an exam, they prove to employers that you meet industry standards and possess the knowledge and skills to fulfill the requirements of the position.
Why You Should Take Online C Courses or Classes
Taking an online C programming course or class can help you acquire the skills you need to build your career in programming or software development. Online C programming courses allow you to maintain your current schedule, study from the comfort of your own home, and complete the course at your own pace, all while investing in your professional future.
Online education has significantly expanded in the last decade which allowed most educational providers to extend their enrollment options to include online learning. As a result, it has become very easy to find a C course that is suited to your preferences and needs.
Online C Classes, Training, or Courses: Which Is the Right Option?
Choosing the right C program is an important part of your learning process. If you’re looking to further your career in software development or engineering, you might consider pursuing a program that includes plenty of hands-on projects for you to add to your professional portfolio. If you’re enrolling in a C course for personal reasons, that rule might not apply.
How to Choose the Right Online C Course, Class, or Training Program
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to choosing the right course. It boils down to your learning preferences, capacity, and career goals. Some of the best C courses online offer robust content that allows you to explore C programming at a beginner, intermediate, and advanced level simultaneously. Here are some tips to help you choose an online C program that works for you.
First Factor: Cost
Cost is one of the biggest factors to take into account during your search for an online C program. While some programs are offered free or have free audit options available, others can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Generally, classes are the most affordable as they last the shortest amount of time, cover the least number of subjects, and provide less support to students than other program options. On the other hand, courses and training programs tend to cost more than classes and they usually come with a variety of payment plans, discounts, scholarships, and grants.
Second Factor: Flexibility
One of the most attractive features of online classes for C programming is that they usually provide more flexibility than on-site programs. Although it’s usually assumed that online programs allow students to work through the course at their own pace, that isn’t always the case.
Some programs require students to participate in live lectures and collaborative assignments, while others allow students to study on their own schedules. Typically, classes offer the most flexibility to students, especially because of how short-term they are. However, as online education has expanded, more providers have begun to offer flexible learning options.
Third Factor: Certificate
If you’re enrolling in an online C program for a professional reason, you’ll likely want to choose one that includes a certificate. Certificates are a great way to prove to employers that you have pursued and completed the necessary level of education for the related position. However, if you’re pursuing C programming for a personal reason, that might not matter to you.
Most training programs and courses provide some form of certificate to students who complete the course. Some program providers that provide sharable certificates are partnered with highly reputable institutions or companies. Having these big names on your resume and in your professional portfolio can significantly boost your appeal to employers.
Fourth Factor: Curriculum
This goes back to your motivation for learning C programming. If you are simply looking to see if C programming is worth learning, a free online course may be all you need. Free C courses are generally more concise and geared towards beginners. They usually cover the fundamentals of the language, along with basic structure and command to perform a specific task.
Meanwhile, if you are looking to explore something specific using C programming, you may want to make sure that the course you’re studying covers the tools and technologies you would need to hit your goal. You can find more in-depth programs at affordable prices on sites like Coursera, edX, Udemy, and Codecademy.
Fifth Factor: The Instructor
Instructors can be a major determining factor when choosing the best C online course. Some people prefer learning from instructors with proven academic qualifications and teaching experience. Others, who are more job-centric, prefer learning straight from industry professionals.
Depending on your preference, you can easily find online C programming courses that are taught by instructors of your choice. While different types of instructors bring something different to the table, their main priority is always to deliver the curriculum effectively and help you become a better C programmer.
Online C Programming Courses FAQ
Are C courses important for professional development?
Despite the growing trend of high-level programming languages, the C language has yet to lose its relevance. It is still a fundamental tool for building efficient operating systems and systems applications. As a tech professional, you will benefit from investing in an online C course and learning this valuable skill, not only now but for years to come.
Is C hard to learn?
Like any other coding language, C can be hard to learn if you are completely new to programming. However, note that C is a procedural language, which means it follows a certain set of commands. You are likely to understand the structure, syntax, and applications if you dedicate adequate time to learning its components. The best way to learn C is by opting for a training program that suits your needs, goals, and capacity.
Are free C courses worth it?
Free C courses are worth it because they give you a chance to explore the fundamentals of the programming language at zero cost. Aside from spending a couple of hours on the course itself, you are not making any financial commitment from the get-go. This allows you to experiment with various education providers and take your time to find a course that aligns with your learning style and objectives.
How long do C courses take?
Depending on the complexity of the program, C courses can take anywhere from several hours to months. The more robust the curriculum, the longer the duration of the course would be. However, a lot of training providers today offer flexible, remote courses to ensure that learners are not inconvenienced. The best way to go about this is by making a realistic estimate of the time you can allocate to learning and find an online C programming course that matches this.
