Introductory C Programming
Offered by Duke University. Learn Essential Programming Fundamentals. Master programming skills to solve complex problems.
Introductory C Programming is a beginner-level online course from Coursera in C Programming. It is structured in 4 modules, over 5 months. Learners rate it 4.6/5 from 7.5K ratings on Coursera.
Part of our C Programming courses collection, where we compare it against 9 other courses.
Course highlights
| Provider | Coursera |
| Duration | 5 months |
| Level | Beginner |
| Mode | Self-paced |
| Language | English |
| Certificate | Yes — shareable certificate |
| Rating | 4.6★ (7.5K reviews) |
| Price | Check price |
About this course
The Introductory C Programming specialization from Coursera, offered by Duke University, teaches essential programming fundamentals. It covers core concepts like programming fundamentals, writing, running, and fixing code in C. Learners also explore advanced topics such as pointers, arrays, and recursion. The course also delves into interacting with the system and managing memory.
This specialization focuses on building a strong foundation in C programming. It emphasizes a systematic approach to problem-solving, from designing algorithms to implementing and thoroughly testing code. The self-paced format allows flexibility over its 5-month duration, with each course designed to take 4 weeks of study, requiring 6–8 hours per week.
Upon completion, learners will be able to approach programming challenges systematically. They will gain fluency in C syntax and develop strong programming principles. A key outcome is the ability to write an intermediate-scale program, such as a Monte Carlo simulation for poker hand probabilities. The course also offers a Coursera Certificate with instructor signatures.
This C programming course is designed for beginners or those with some programming experience who want to strengthen their foundational knowledge. While it builds solid fundamentals, it does not confer Duke University course credit. For those looking for free options, alternatives like C Programming in Bangla - from Zero to Hero are available. Intermediate programmers new to C may also benefit from starting with Course 1 to learn syntax basics and review algorithm design relevant to all languages.
Level and time commitment
Skills you’ll gain
What this course covers
4 modulesThe 4-part outline Coursera publishes for this course, across 5 months.
Module 1 · Programming Fundamentals
Module 2 · Writing, Running, and Fixing Code in C
Module 3 · Pointers, Arrays, and Recursion
Module 4 · Interacting with the System and Managing Memory
What learners rate it
Rated 4.6/5 by 7.5K learners on Coursera (checked 6 Nov 2026).
This rating is collected by Coursera from its own enrolled learners. We reproduce it as reported and do not accept paid or incentivised reviews. See it on Coursera →
Compiled by the CoursesGlobal editorial desk. Fees, ratings, duration and certificate details for the 1 course shown are read directly from Coursera course pages — we never estimate a price or a rating. Last verified 6 November 2026.
How we compare and rank courses · Our review policy · Affiliate disclosure
Compare with alternatives
Same topic, different trade-offs — here's who runs each one and what it's best at.
| Course | Provider | Rating | Price | Duration | Why pick this one | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory C Programming This |
 Coursera
|
4.6★ | Check price | 5 months | Beginner-friendly · 5 months | |
| C Programming with Linux |
Coursera
|
4.6★ | Check price | 2 months | Beginner-friendly · 2 months | View ↗ |
| Beginning C++ Programming - From Beginner to Beyond |
 Udemy
|
4.6★ | ₹499 | 46 hours | Highest rated (4.6★ from 81.9K reviews) | View ↗ |
| C Programming and Problem Solving in C. |
Udemy
|
4.5★ | ₹1,799 | 17 hours | Quickest to finish (17 hours) | View ↗ |
Common questions
How much does Introductory C Programming cost?
Coursera does not publish a price we can read on the course page, so we do not show one. Check the fee on the provider site — we would rather say nothing than quote a number we did not collect.
Does Introductory C Programming come with a certificate?
Yes — Coursera lists a certificate on completion. It is a course certificate, not a formal qualification or university credit.
How long does Introductory C Programming take?
Coursera lists it at 5 months. It is self-paced, so that is the volume of material rather than a deadline — how long it actually takes depends on the hours you put in each week.
Is Introductory C Programming suitable for beginners?
Yes. Coursera lists it at Beginner level, so no prior experience in the subject is assumed.
What does Introductory C Programming cover?
It is organised into 4 modules, starting with Programming Fundamentals and going on to Writing, Running, and Fixing Code in C, Pointers, Arrays, and Recursion, Interacting with the System and Managing Memory. The full outline is on this page.