C Programming: Getting Started from edX

In this course, you will learn the principles of C programming and start coding hands-on in a browser tool that will provide instant feedback on your code.

The C programming language is one of the most stable and popular programming languages in the world. It helps to power your smartphone, your car's navigation system, robots, drones, trains, and almost all electronic devices. C is used in any circumstances where speed and flexibility are important, such as in embedded systems or high-performance computing.

In this course, you will get started with C and learn how to write your first programs, how to make simple computations and print the results to the screen, how to store values in variables and how to repeat instructions using loops.

Beginners, even those without any programming experience, will be able to immediately start coding in C with the help of powerful yet simple coding tools right within the web browser. No need to install anything!

We are excited to introduce you to the world of coding and launch you along your path to becoming a skilled C programmer!

This is the first course in the C Programming with Linux Professional Certificate program. This series of seven short courses will establish your programming skills and unlock doors to careers in computer engineering.

This course has received financial support from the Patrick & Lina Drahi Foundation.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Define, distinguish and give examples of hardware/software, computer programs/algorithms
Explain the concept of a variable and declare, initialize and modify variables of data types int, double and char

Create and comment simple c-programs that may print text, special characters and variables to the screen with controlled formatting
Create simple c-programs that utilize for-loops to repeat blocks of instructions

Define, distinguish and give examples of hardware/software, computer programs/algorithms
Explain the concept of a variable and declare, initialize and modify variables of data types int, double and char
Create and comment simple c-programs that may print text, special characters and variables to the screen with controlled formatting
Create simple c-programs that utilize for-loops to repeat blocks of instructions

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

No prior programming experience required

Empowers you to independently code in C

Introduces variables, data types, loops, and screen printing

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in C Programming: Getting Started with these activities:

Read 'The C Programming Language' by Brian Kernighan and Dennis Ritchie

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This classic book is a great way to learn the fundamentals of C programming.

View C Programming Language, 2nd Edition on Amazon

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Read the book carefully and take notes.
Try out the code examples in the book.

Watch C programming tutorials

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Watching C programming tutorials can help you learn the basics of the language and get started with coding.

Browse courses on C Programming

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Find a C programming tutorial that matches your learning level.
Watch the tutorial and take notes on the key concepts.
Try out the code examples in the tutorial.

Practice C programming problems

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Solving C programming problems is a great way to improve your understanding of the language's syntax and semantics.

Browse courses on C Programming

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Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Join a C programming study group

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Joining a C programming study group can help you learn from others and stay motivated.

Browse courses on C Programming

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Find a C programming study group that matches your learning level.
Attend the study group meetings regularly and participate in the discussions.

Create a presentation on a C programming topic

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Creating a presentation on a C programming topic is a great way to deepen your understanding of a certain subject and share the nuances to others with

Browse courses on C Programming

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Choose a C programming topic that you are interested in.
Research the topic and gather information.
Create a presentation that is clear and concise.
Present your presentation to others.

Create a C programming project

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Creating a C programming project is a great way to apply your knowledge of the language and build something useful.

Browse courses on C Programming

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Come up with an idea for a C programming project.
Design the project and write the code.
Test the project and make sure it works correctly.
Document the project and share it with others.

Contribute to an open-source C programming project

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Contributing to an open-source C programming project is a great way to learn from others and make a difference.

Browse courses on C Programming

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Find an open-source C programming project that you are interested in.
Learn about the project and its codebase.
Contribute to the project by fixing bugs or adding new features.
Submit your changes to the project and get them reviewed.

Career center

Learners who complete C Programming: Getting Started will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Embedded Systems Engineer

**Embedded Systems Engineers** design, develop, and test embedded systems, which are computer systems that are part of a larger device or machine. A course on C Programming such as this one may be helpful for aspiring Embedded Systems Engineers, as C is a popular programming language used in embedded systems development due to its efficiency and performance. The course covers hands-on coding and introduces important concepts such as variables, data types, and loops.

See salaries and explore the career path for Embedded Systems Engineer

Web Developer

**Web Developers** design and develop websites and web applications. A course on C Programming such as this one may be helpful for aspiring Web Developers, as it teaches the principles of C programming, which is often used in the development of web applications and backend systems. The course covers hands-on coding and introduces important concepts such as variables, data types, and loops.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Information Security Analyst

**Information Security Analysts** plan and implement security measures to protect an organization's computer systems and networks. A course on C Programming such as this one may be useful for aspiring Information Security Analysts, as it provides a foundation in computer programming and security concepts. The course covers hands-on coding and introduces important concepts such as variables, data types, and loops.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Computer Scientist

**Computer Scientists** conduct research in the field of computer science and develop new technologies. A course on C Programming such as this one may be helpful for aspiring Computer Scientists, as it provides a foundation in computer programming and research concepts. The course covers hands-on coding and introduces important concepts such as variables, data types, and loops.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

DevOps Engineer

**DevOps Engineers** work with both development and operations teams to ensure that software is developed and deployed efficiently. A course on C Programming such as this one may be helpful for aspiring DevOps Engineers, as it provides a foundation in computer programming and systems administration. The course covers hands-on coding and introduces important concepts such as variables, data types, and loops.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Computer Engineering Professor

**Computer Engineering Professors** teach computer engineering concepts to students and conduct research in the field. A course on C Programming such as this one may be helpful for aspiring Computer Engineering Professors, as it provides a foundation in computer programming and research concepts. The course covers hands-on coding and introduces important concepts such as variables, data types, and loops.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Engineering Professor

Software Developer

**Software Developers** design, develop, and test software and applications. A course on C Programming such as this one may be helpful for aspiring Software Developers, as it helps build a foundation for programming in C, a popular and stable programming language used in various applications. The course covers hands-on coding and introduces you to important concepts such as variables, data types, and loops.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Quality Assurance Analyst

**Quality Assurance Analysts** test software and applications to ensure they meet quality standards. A course on C Programming such as this one may be helpful for aspiring Quality Assurance Analysts, as it provides a foundation in computer programming and testing concepts. The course covers hands-on coding and introduces important concepts such as variables, data types, and loops.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Computer Systems Analyst

**Computer Systems Analysts** study an organization's current computer systems and procedures, and design or recommend new systems or changes to meet the organization's needs. A course on C Programming such as this one may be helpful for aspiring Computer Systems Analysts, as it provides a foundation in computer programming and systems analysis. The course covers hands-on coding and introduces important concepts such as variables, data types, and loops.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Software Test Engineer

**Software Test Engineers** design and execute tests to ensure software meets specifications and requirements. A course on C Programming such as this one may be helpful for aspiring Software Test Engineers, as it provides a foundation in computer programming and testing concepts. The course covers hands-on coding and introduces important concepts such as variables, data types, and loops.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Test Engineer

Technical Writer

**Technical Writers** create documentation for software and other technical products. A course on C Programming such as this one may be helpful for aspiring Technical Writers, as it provides a foundation in computer programming and technical writing concepts. The course covers hands-on coding and introduces important concepts such as variables, data types, and loops.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Computer Programmer

**Computer Programmers** write, modify, or test software programs to meet users' needs. A course on C Programming such as this one may help build a foundation for your programming career as this course teaches the principles of C programming and helps you get started with hands-on coding. The course also covers how to write your first programs, make simple computations and print the results to the screen, store values in variables and repeat instructions using loops.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Programmer

Computer Science Teacher

**Computer Science Teachers** teach computer science concepts to students. A course on C Programming such as this one may be helpful for aspiring Computer Science Teachers, as it provides a foundation in computer programming and education concepts. The course covers hands-on coding and introduces important concepts such as variables, data types, and loops.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Science Teacher

Data Scientist

**Data Scientists** use data to extract insights and solve problems. A course on C Programming such as this one may be useful for aspiring Data Scientists, as C is sometimes used in data analysis and machine learning algorithms. The course covers hands-on coding and introduces important concepts such as variables, data types, and loops.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Machine Learning Engineer

**Machine Learning Engineers** develop and implement machine learning models. A course on C Programming such as this one may be useful for aspiring Machine Learning Engineers, as C is sometimes used in the development of machine learning algorithms. The course covers hands-on coding and introduces important concepts such as variables, data types, and loops.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer