Are you thinking about learning C, one of the most popular programming languages? There are plenty of quality tutorials and videos on how to learn C available for free, including a particularly easy guide from w3schools.
You can also take guided courses, which typically require fees or subscriptions and provide more structured learning. Sometimes, they include live feedback and responses from an instructor. We've picked five of the best online courses for learning C. Some provide certifications of completion to display on LinkedIn or include on a resume.
Is it still useful to learn C?
Learning C is still a useful skill in 2024, as C remains a popular language. If you are just starting to learn programming or want to see if programming might be the right career path for you, trying out C can be a good place to start. Since its creation in 1972, C has shaped the way people program. Learning C makes it easier to learn other programming languages, as many other languages share the same “roots.”
Best of C Courses: Comparison Table
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Harvard CS50: The best option to get to know the Ivy League
Harvard University's computer science course, available on campus or online, is renowned for its rigorous, well-taught material and high production value.
“Each lecture is intentionally energetic and theatrical, so that students are excited to learn,” wrote Tommy MacWilliam, a former Harvard professor and former platform director at Quora.
CS50 is a general computer science course. You'll learn everything from understanding algorithms to writing SQL. But C is one of the topics covered, and learning it in context can help participants better understand the field of programming in general.
Prices
The CS50 course is free to view. EdX offers a certificate of completion for $219.
Duration
The CS50 course takes approximately 11 weeks to complete, with a commitment of 10-20 hours per week.
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Prerequisite
There are no prerequisites for this course.
SEE: C consistently appears at the top of the TIOBE programming community index, a list of the most searched programming languages.
C Essential Training: The Best Option on a Budget
I took a course on LinkedIn Learning to improve my news reporting and found the presentation clear and the information comprehensive. I chose C Essential Training from LinkedIn Learning because the narration is simple and practical, and because it has positive reviews. This course covers writing in C, the development cycle, finding and fixing errors, header files and libraries, and more.
Prices
LinkedIn Learning costs $19.99 per month for one person.
Duration
This course takes approximately 2 hours and 51 minutes to complete.
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Prerequisite
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Specialization in C programming with Linux: ideal for Linux machines
This course has particularly positive reviews and its focus on Linux can help you demonstrate your practical skills to a current or potential employer. The course covers developing and debugging code, interpreting and using algorithms, compiling C with Linux, and manipulating computer memory using pointers in C.
Prices
The C Programming with Linux specialization can be accessed through a Coursera Plus subscription, which costs $59 per month.
Duration
This course takes approximately two months to complete, 10 hours per week.
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Prerequisite
There are no prerequisites for this course.
C Programming for Beginners: Best for Beginners
C Programming for Beginners may not be as polished as the other courses on this list, but if you prefer the Udemy format or already have a subscription, it offers a solid foundation for those aspiring to become full-time or freelance C programmers. Reviews show a challenging and well-organized course.
Prices
This course costs $124.99.
Duration
C Programming for Beginners consists of 25.2 hours of videos, plus quizzes.
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Prerequisite
This course has no prerequisites.
Introductory C Programming Specialization: The Best Option for the Long Term
To complete Duke University's Introductory C Programming Specialization, you will need to take four courses:
- Programming Fundamentals
- How to write, run and correct C code
- Pointers, arrays and recursion
- Interact with the system and manage memory
This certification sets itself apart by including general programming—it starts with a class appropriate for absolute beginners before moving on to more challenging coding projects. With the longest duration of all the courses on this list, the introductory C programming specialization will make a nice addition to a resume or LinkedIn profile.
Prices
The introductory C programming specialization can be accessed through a Coursera Plus subscription, which costs $59 per month.
Duration
This course takes approximately five months to complete, at a rate of 10 hours per week.
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Prerequisite
There are no prerequisites for this certification.
Best overall C-level online course
My pick for the best overall online C course is Harvard’s CS50. It covers a wide variety of programming skills while also going in-depth on what works in C. While the cost of the certification means you’re partly paying for the university’s name, the content is validated by positive feedback from past students. CS50 is taught by renowned computer science professor David J. Malan, who is praised for his theatrical, passionate, and rigorous teaching style and materials.
Methodology
We select these courses based on the popularity of the learning platforms, reviews on those platforms, the quality and thoroughness of the course material, where possible, and word of mouth on Reddit. Every course is different, so choose the one that has the right format, length, and learning style for you.
