C programming, despite its age, remains a cornerstone of the tech industry, supported by a vibrant community of 6 million developers. If you’re looking to start your journey with this powerful language, you might wonder why finding a truly excellent introductory C course, especially one that’s accessible for beginners, can feel like a challenge.
The good news is your search for the perfect Free C Learning Course ends here.
This guide is your curated list of the best free and free-to-audit C courses available online. Whether you are completely new to programming and seeking a comprehensive introduction to computer science principles alongside C, or an experienced programmer wanting to add C to your skillset with practical, real-world examples, you’ll find a course perfectly suited to your needs.
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Understanding C Programming
C is a procedural programming language that stands out for its closeness to the hardware level. Developed at Bell Labs in the early 1970s by Dennis Ritchie, C was initially created for the Unix operating system. Its design philosophy prioritized a blend of efficiency and usability, enabling programmers to directly interact with computer hardware while maintaining a syntax that was accessible for a wide range of applications. This balance has solidified C’s position as the go-to language for system-level programming across platforms like MacOS and Linux.
C’s influence is pervasive, powering everything from the operating systems that manage our computers to the embedded systems found in everyday appliances and vehicles. It boasts the 4th largest developer community globally, with nearly 6 million professionals, according to the 25th State of the Developer Nation Report.
Choosing to learn C opens doors to diverse and rewarding tech careers. Glassdoor estimates the median salary for a C developer in 2024 to be around $130,000, highlighting the strong demand and value placed on C programming skills in the industry.
C vs. C++: Key Differences Explained
Often mentioned alongside C, C++ is an evolution of C, expanding its capabilities to include both procedural and object-oriented programming paradigms. Here are the core distinctions:
- Programming Approach: C is fundamentally procedural, focusing on step-by-step execution. C++, in contrast, embraces object-oriented programming, organizing code around “objects” that combine data and functions.
- Classes and Objects: C++ introduces classes and objects for data encapsulation and modular design, features absent in C.
- Standard Template Library (STL): C++ benefits from the STL, a rich library of pre-built data structures and algorithms, significantly enhancing development efficiency. C does not have this built-in library.
- Error Handling: C++ offers sophisticated exception handling mechanisms for robust error management, whereas C relies on manual error checking, which can be more cumbersome.
For developing complex applications like video games or GUI-based software, C++ is often the preferred choice. Explore our C++ BCG for more on that! However, if your focus is on embedded systems, IoT devices, or operating system kernels, C remains the more relevant and powerful tool. Let’s dive into the best free C learning courses to get you started.
Free C Learning Courses: By the Numbers
- Every course listed in this guide is available free of charge or offers a free-to-audit option.
- A significant majority, eight out of ten courses, are designed for individuals with no prior programming experience.
- One course in our selection provides a free certificate of completion, adding a valuable credential to your learning journey.
- Coursera stands out as a leading platform, hosting three of the top courses featured here.
- Class Central’s C Programming Subject page is followed by approximately 14.5K learners, indicating strong interest in this field.
Harvard University’s CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science
Best Comprehensive Free C Course for Absolute Beginners with Certificate
Enroll in Harvard CS50
| Reasons to Choose This Course |
|---|
| – Most in-depth computer science introduction available for free. |
| – High-quality video lectures and comprehensive articles. |
| – Challenging and rewarding graded projects to solidify learning. |
| – Browser-based coding environment – no complex setup required. |
| – Active community support from mentors and fellow learners. |
| – Perfect starting point with no prior programming knowledge needed. |
When beginners ask for the best programming language to start with, Python, JavaScript, and Ruby often come up before C. This isn’t because C is inherently harder to learn, but rather because C benefits from a foundational understanding of computer science principles – how computers and programs fundamentally work.
If you lack this foundation, where do you begin? The answer is CS50’s Introduction to Computer Science, Harvard University’s renowned free online course.
Millions of learners, including myself, have benefited from CS50, gaining a solid grasp of computer science fundamentals, from algorithms to data structures. The course explores various programming domains and provides hands-on practice in areas ranging from database management to web development. The impact is evident in the thousands of impressive final projects submitted by students worldwide.
If you’re ready to invest the time and effort in a substantial course that goes beyond just C programming, here’s why CS50 is an exceptional choice:
- Comprehensive Syllabus: CS50x mirrors Harvard’s on-campus CS50 course, ensuring no compromises on depth and breadth. It introduces you to five programming languages, diverse frameworks, and multiple computer science subfields, including AI and cybersecurity.
- Engaging Course Material: Primarily video-lecture based, the lectures are lengthy but captivating, thanks to David Malan’s engaging teaching style and dynamic presentations. He creatively uses props and skits to make complex topics accessible and entertaining.
- Valuable Graded Projects: The 10 problem sets are a standout feature, demanding significant programming and problem-solving effort. Each assignment is automatically graded with detailed feedback, crucial for beginner development. The browser-based coding environment minimizes setup hassles.
- Capstone Final Project: Showcase your programming skills with a final project, working individually or in teams to create a substantial software project, demonstrated via video and reviewed by instructors.
- Supportive Community: With a history dating back to 2008, CS50x boasts a large and welcoming community. Access help and advice through the official forum or Discord channel.
While the first half of CS50 focuses on C and fundamental computer science concepts, the latter part explores applications using languages like Python, SQL, and JavaScript. If your sole focus is C, you can concentrate on the initial modules.
For guidance on obtaining your free certificate, refer to Harvard CS50: How to Get a Free Certificate.
| Institution | Harvard University |
|---|---|
| Provider | edX |
| Instructors | David J. Malan, Doug Lloyd, and Brian Yu |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Workload | 72–216 hours |
| Enrollments | 5.5M |
| Cost | Free |
| Exercises | Autograded problem sets and final projects |
| Certificate | Free (Unverified) or Paid (Verified) |
learn-c.org Interactive C Tutorial
Top Concise Free C Course for Programmers
Start Learning at learn-c.org
| Reasons to Choose This Course |
|---|
| – Highly accessible and easy to start immediately. |
| – Short, focused chapters on specific C topics. |
| – In-browser coding exercises for immediate practice. |
learn-c.org’s text-based tutorials offer a no-signup, no-fuss approach to learning C.
This free course, much like this guide, is concise and direct, covering everything from basic syntax to intermediate topics like linked lists and pointer arithmetic. Each chapter concludes with an interactive, in-browser coding exercise, allowing you to apply your newly acquired knowledge right away.
This course is ideal for programmers needing a quick C refresher or those currently learning programming and seeking supplementary material to solidify their understanding.
| Provider | learn-c.org |
|---|---|
| Prerequisites | None |
| Workload | N/A |
| Github Stars | 3.7K |
| Cost | Free |
| Exercises | Autograded coding exercises |
| Certificate | None |
Dartmouth College’s C Programming with Linux Professional Certificate
Best Hands-On Free C Course for Beginners
Enroll in Dartmouth C Programming Certificate (Audit for Free)
| Reasons to Choose This Course |
|---|
| – Comprehensive training in both C programming and Linux. |
| – Engaging interactive lessons using audio and text. |
| – Auditor-friendly in-browser coding and terminal platform. |
| – Available in both French and English. |
| – Suitable for complete beginners with no programming experience. |
Dartmouth College, in collaboration with Institut Mines-Télécom, presents the Professional Certificate in C Programming with Linux, arguably the most interactive and hands-on free C learning course focused on C and Linux available. You can access it for free by auditing each course within the certificate program.
This course aims to prepare you for a career as a C programmer. While ambitious, several factors make this goal achievable:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Completing the entire course takes approximately 9 months. You’ll gain in-depth knowledge of C programming, from fundamentals to advanced techniques, and explore essential computer science topics like algorithms and data structures, all while learning to effectively use Linux – a critical operating system in the industry.
- Interactive and Practical: Through Codecasts, you can watch live coding sessions, pause, and experiment with the code directly in your browser. Similarly, WebLinux offers a browser-based Linux environment, eliminating the need for local installations and setups.
- Audit-Friendly Access: Almost all course content is available for free auditing, except for final assessments. You’ll find numerous ungraded coding exercises and quizzes, complete with hints and solutions. Active discussion forums allow interaction with peers and course staff.
| Institution | Dartmouth College and Institut Mines-Télécom |
|---|---|
| Provider | edX |
| Instructors | Petra Bonfert-Taylor and Rémi Sharrock |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Workload | 70–140 hours |
| Cost | Free-to-audit |
| Exercises | Autograded coding exercises, quizzes, and final assessments (not in audit mode) |
| Certificate | Paid |
freeCodeCamp’s C Programming for Everybody by Dr. Chuck
Leading Free Deep-Dive C Course for Programmers
Watch on freeCodeCamp YouTube Channel
| Reasons to Choose This Course |
|---|
| – Focuses on “classic” C and its UNIX roots. |
| – Explores C’s foundational role in modern programming languages. |
| – Hands-on in-browser coding lessons. |
| – Based on the influential K&R textbook. |
C, a language with half a century of history, has witnessed the evolution of programming from specialized hardware to portable and efficient software. Charles Severance’s free course, C Programming for Everybody (CC4E), delves into the historical and technical significance of C.
Dr. Chuck’s course explores computer architecture and low-level programming through the lens of “classic” C. Using the seminal book, K&R’s The C Programming Language, as a guide, you’ll study C’s influence on the development of modern languages like Python and Java. The course covers a wide range of topics, from basic program structure and syntax to advanced concepts like data structures, I/O operations, and Object-Oriented Programming principles in C.
This course uniquely offers interactive and graded coding exercises and quizzes within the browser, accessible on CC4E’s website.
For those seeking certification, the CC4E Coursera Specialization offers a paid certificate option.
| Channel | freeCodeCamp |
|---|---|
| Provider | YouTube |
| Instructor | Charles Severance |
| Prerequisites | Basic experience with Python or similar languages recommended |
| Workload | 9–10 hours |
| Views | 511K |
| Likes | 16K |
| Cost | Free |
| Exercises | Autograded coding exercises and quizzes |
| Certificate | Paid (via Coursera Specialization) |
K. N. King’s C Programming: A Modern Approach
Essential C Textbook for Beginners
| Reasons to Choose This Resource |
|---|
| – Incredibly comprehensive and in-depth coverage of C. |
| – Serves as an excellent reference for detailed C information. |
| – Solutions provided for one-third of the programming exercises. |
| – Suitable for beginners with no programming background. |
Textbooks are invaluable for structured, self-paced learning and deep subject exploration.
K. N. King’s C Programming: A Modern Approach is a highly regarded introductory C textbook. Used in over 225 colleges, it’s considered a modern bible for C programming education, rivaling the classic K&R. However, unlike K&R, King’s book is more accessible to beginners, featuring clear writing, straightforward explanations, and practical examples.
By completing this undergraduate-level textbook, you’ll achieve a comprehensive understanding of both basic and advanced C features, preparing you for more complex topics like data structures, compiler design, operating systems, computer graphics, and embedded systems.
The textbook includes a wide range of practice problems, from short exercises to extensive programming projects, with solutions available for many, enhancing its utility for self-learners.
| Instructor | K. N. King |
|---|---|
| Prerequisites | None |
| Workload | N/A |
| Rating (Amazon) | 4.4 / 5.0 (330 Reviews) |
| Cost | Paid (Textbook Purchase) |
| Exercises | Practice exercises and programming projects |
| Certificate | None |
Beej’s Guides to C Programming
Premier Free Systems Programming C Course for Programmers
| Reasons to Choose This Resource |
|---|
| – Conversational and engaging writing style. |
| – Numerous coding examples ideal for experienced programmers. |
| – Provides in-depth coverage of system-level C programming. |
Beej’s Guides are a collection of free programming tutorials by Brian Hall, a seasoned software developer with over 20 years of experience. These guides focus primarily on network and systems programming using C.
Known for their thoroughness, clear explanations, and practical examples, Beej’s Guides are written in a casual, humorous, and engaging style. Brian Hall’s teaching ability shines through, making complex subjects understandable and even enjoyable for newcomers and experienced programmers alike.
If you appreciate detailed learning but find traditional textbooks dry, Beej’s Guides are an excellent resource.
Available Guides:
-
- Target Audience: Programmers with prior experience.
- Content: Offers a deep dive into C programming, covering topics beyond typical introductory courses, including compilers, multithreading, and atomics.
-
Beej’s Guide to Network Programming
- Target Audience: C programmers.
- Content: Teaches socket (TCP/IP) programming in C, considered a classic resource for network application development.
-
Beej’s Guide to Unix Interprocess Communication
- Target Audience: C programmers.
- Content: Covers inter-process communication in Unix/Linux environments, including pipes, message queues, shared memory, and semaphores.
| Provider | Independent |
|---|---|
| Instructor | Brian “Beej” Hall |
| Prerequisites | Prior programming experience recommended |
| Workload | N/A |
| Cost | Free |
| Exercises | None |
| Certificate | None |
University of Colorado System’s Computational Thinking with C Programming Specialization
Ideal C Course for STEM Students
Enroll in Colorado C Programming Specialization (Audit for Free)
| Reasons to Choose This Course |
|---|
| – Emphasizes computational thinking alongside coding skills. |
| – Approachable and humorous teaching style. |
| – Well-structured and not overwhelming for those new to programming. |
Effective programming relies on strong problem-solving skills.
The University of Colorado System’s specialization focuses on equipping students, especially in STEM fields, with computational thinking fundamentals and C programming skills. Computational thinking involves simplifying complex problems for computer solutions.
Each course in this specialization can be audited for free. However, auditing does not include access to graded programming assignments.
- Algorithms, Data Collection, and Starting to Code: Begin with the basics of C programming, writing your first C program, understanding data types, variables, and constants, and applying these skills to STEM-related computations.
- Data Analysis and Representation, Selection and Iteration: Learn to analyze and represent data effectively and implement selection structures for conditional code execution and iteration for repetitive tasks.
- Abstraction, Problem Decomposition, and Functions: Master the art of breaking down complex problems into manageable subproblems using arrays and functions, a core aspect of computational thinking.
- Simulation, Algorithm Analysis, and Pointers: Explore algorithm efficiency, data handling, simulation techniques, parallelization, and pointers, culminating in a comprehensive understanding of C programming and its applications.
| Institution | University of Colorado System |
|---|---|
| Provider | Coursera |
| Instructor | Tim Chamillard |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Workload | >51 hours |
| Enrollments | 14K |
| Rating | 4.6 / 5.0 (308 Ratings) |
| Cost | Free-to-audit |
| Exercises | Autograded coding exercises and quizzes (not in audit mode) |
| Certificate | Paid |
freeCodeCamp’s C Programming Tutorial for Beginners by Mike Dane
Quickest Free C Crash Course for Beginners
Watch Mike Dane’s Tutorial on YouTube
| Reasons to Choose This Course |
|---|
| – Concise and efficient, perfect for learning quickly. |
| – No prior programming experience necessary. |
| – Easy-to-follow coding demonstrations. |
Short on time but eager to learn C programming quickly?
This free crash course, under 4 hours, provides a fast track to C programming, covering essential concepts for beginners without requiring prior experience.
Despite its brevity, instructor Mike Dane effectively covers essential topics, from setting up a text editor to advanced concepts like structures, functions, and pointers. He demonstrates building text-based applications like a basic calculator and the Mad Libs game, providing practical insights into C programming.
| Channel | freeCodeCamp |
|---|---|
| Provider | YouTube |
| Instructor | Mike Dane (Giraffe Academy) |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Workload | 3–4 hours |
| Views | 10M |
| Likes | 188K |
| Cost | Free |
| Exercises | None |
| Certificate | None |
Duke University’s Introductory C Programming Specialization
Best Introductory Free C Course for New Programmers
Enroll in Duke C Programming Specialization (Audit for Free)
| Reasons to Choose This Course |
|---|
| – Balanced depth, suitable for comprehensive introductory learning. |
| – Accessible practice materials for auditors. |
| – University-style course format. |
| – Designed for individuals with no prior programming experience. |
Duke University’s Introductory C Programming Coursera Specialization offers a robust foundation in programming, guiding you from basic to advanced C concepts, ideal for those aiming for software development or computational fields.
This university-style course involves readings and instructor-led coding demonstrations. While graded quizzes and programming exercises are restricted in the audit mode, the courses provide ample ungraded practice quizzes, making them valuable even for auditors.
The specialization includes four courses:
- Programming Fundamentals: Focuses on problem-solving, introducing the Seven Steps problem-solving process to help develop your first algorithms.
- Writing, Running, and Fixing Code in C: Introduces hands-on C programming, covering compilation, execution, testing, and debugging.
- Pointers, Arrays, and Recursion: Explores fundamental programming concepts: pointers, arrays for data sequences, and recursive functions.
- Interacting with the System and Managing Memory: Covers essential memory management for non-trivial applications, culminating in developing a Monte Carlo simulation project.
| Institution | Duke University |
|---|---|
| Provider | Coursera |
| Instructors | Andrew D. Hilton, Anne Bracy, Genevieve M. Lipp and Liz Wendland |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Workload | >110 hours |
| Enrollments | 106K |
| Rating | 4.6 / 5.0 (5.5K Ratings) |
| Cost | Free-to-audit |
| Exercises | Autograded coding exercises and quizzes (not in audit mode) |
| Certificate | Paid |
University of California, Santa Cruz’s Coding for Everyone: C and C++ Specialization
Top Free C & C++ Course for Complete Beginners
Enroll in UC Santa Cruz C and C++ Specialization (Audit for Free)
| Reasons to Choose This Course |
|---|
| – Teaches both C and C++ programming in one specialization. |
| – Suitable for absolute beginners with no programming background. |
The Coding for Everyone: C and C++ Coursera Specialization from the University of California, Santa Cruz, offers a comprehensive introduction to both C and C++ programming, requiring no prior experience.
Starting with C fundamentals, the specialization progresses to the more advanced syntax and semantics of C++. By the end, you’ll be prepared to tackle significant projects, including AI algorithms and Monte Carlo methods in game development.
Learning is facilitated through recorded videos featuring whiteboard explanations and code demonstrations. While autograded exercises are not included, the course uses peer reviews and discussion prompts to encourage active learning and reflection. Free auditing of individual courses is available, though graded materials are limited in audit mode.
The specialization comprises four courses:
- C for Everyone (2 Parts): Start your programming journey by learning to compile, debug, and execute C code. Grasp fundamental programming concepts and appreciate the power of the command line.
- C++ For C Programmers (2 Parts): Transition from C to C++, learning to convert C code to C++ and exploring object-oriented programming and the extensive C++ Standard Template Library.
| Institution | University of California, Santa Cruz |
|---|---|
| Provider | Coursera |
| Instructor | Ira Pohl |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Workload | >40 hours |
| Enrollments | 277K |
| Rating | 4.6 / 5.0 (6.2K Ratings) |
| Cost | Free-to-audit |
| Exercises | Quizzes, Peer-graded assignments, Discussion prompts (limited access in audit mode) |
| Certificate | Paid |
Why You Can Trust Our Recommendations
Class Central is dedicated to helping learners find the best online education. As a trusted platform, we’ve assisted over 60 million learners in discovering their next course. For over a decade, we have curated and analyzed online courses, building a catalog of over 200,000 courses and 200,000 user reviews. Our team of online learning experts has collectively completed over 400 online courses, including advanced degrees, ensuring our recommendations are grounded in experience and thorough research.
Our Methodology for Selecting and Evaluating Courses
Identifying the “best” online courses requires a detailed and thoughtful approach. Here’s how we compiled this guide:
First, we conducted an extensive search across Class Central’s Catalog, Reddit communities, and the wider internet to identify a wide range of free and open C programming courses, including those offering certificates.
We gathered data from course syllabi, user reviews, and ratings from Class Central’s extensive database, which includes thousands of course ratings and reviews, along with provider-provided ratings. We also sampled course videos to evaluate courses firsthand.
Then, we refined our focus to C programming, establishing criteria to ensure we recommended only the highest quality courses.
Ultimately, our selections are based on a combination of data analysis and expert judgment. We are confident that these recommendations provide an excellent pathway for anyone looking to master C programming.
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