• For Individuals
  • For Businesses
  • For Universities
  • For Governments
Coursera
  • Online Degrees
  • Careers
  • Log In
  • Join for Free
    Coursera
    • Browse
    • Computer Programming

    Computer Programming Courses Online

    Master computer programming for software development. Learn to write, debug, and optimize code in languages like Java, C++, and Python.

    Skip to search results

    Filter by

    Subject
    Required
     *

    Language
    Required
     *

    The language used throughout the course, in both instruction and assessments.

    Learning Product
    Required
     *

    Build job-relevant skills in under 2 hours with hands-on tutorials.
    Learn from top instructors with graded assignments, videos, and discussion forums.
    Learn a new tool or skill in an interactive, hands-on environment.
    Get in-depth knowledge of a subject by completing a series of courses and projects.
    Earn career credentials from industry leaders that demonstrate your expertise.

    Level
    Required
     *

    Duration
    Required
     *

    Skills
    Required
     *

    Subtitles
    Required
     *

    Educator
    Required
     *

    Explore the Computer Programming Course Catalog

    • Status: Free
      Free
      P

      Princeton University

      Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose

      Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Performance Tuning, Data Structures, Java, Program Development, Computational Thinking, Computer Science, Algorithms, Debugging

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.3K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      U

      University of Toronto

      Learn to Program: The Fundamentals

      Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Debugging, Software Documentation, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Software Design, Program Development, Integrated Development Environments, Data Structures, File Management

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      6.7K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free
      Free
      T

      The University of Edinburgh

      Code Yourself! An Introduction to Programming

      Skills you'll gain: Software Engineering, Program Development, Software Testing, Software Development, Programming Principles, Event-Driven Programming, Computer Programming, Debugging, Computational Thinking, Storyboarding, Algorithms, User Interface (UI) Design

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      3.5K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • I

      IBM

      Python for Data Science, AI & Development

      Skills you'll gain: Jupyter, Automation, Web Scraping, Python Programming, Data Manipulation, Data Import/Export, Scripting, Data Structures, Data Processing, Data Collection, Application Programming Interface (API), Pandas (Python Package), Programming Principles, NumPy, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Computer Programming

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      41K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • U

      University of London

      Introduction to Computer Science and Programming

      Skills you'll gain: Computer Science, Computer Systems, Development Environment, Web Applications, Debugging, Arithmetic, Program Development, Computer Networking, Computational Thinking, Computer Programming Tools, Usability, Cybersecurity, Software Development Tools, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Computer Programming, Software Architecture, Computer Graphics, Computational Logic, General Mathematics, Applied Mathematics

      4.2
      Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.5K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • U

      University of California, Santa Cruz

      Coding for Everyone: C and C++

      Skills you'll gain: C++ (Programming Language), Debugging, C (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Object Oriented Design, Software Design Patterns, Programming Principles, Data Structures, Computer Programming, Algorithms, Command-Line Interface, Software Design, Graph Theory, Computer Science, Program Development, Computational Thinking, Artificial Intelligence, System Programming, File Management

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      9.4K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • D

      Duke University

      Introductory C Programming

      Skills you'll gain: Debugging, Maintainability, Programming Principles, Algorithms, Software Testing, Program Development, C (Programming Language), Pseudocode, Computational Thinking, Software Engineering, Simulations, System Programming, Data Structures, Software Development, Computer Programming, Command-Line Interface, Development Environment, Development Testing, User Interface (UI), Interactive Design

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      7.3K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • U

      University of Michigan

      Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)

      Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Python Programming, Computational Thinking, Software Installation, Development Environment

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      231K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • L

      LearnQuest

      Introduction to Java

      Skills you'll gain: Eclipse (Software), Java, Java Programming, Integrated Development Environments, Development Environment, Software Installation, Computer Programming, Program Development, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Debugging

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.1K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • R

      Rice University

      Fundamentals of Computing

      Skills you'll gain: Computational Thinking, Event-Driven Programming, Algorithms, Combinatorics, Graph Theory, Programming Principles, Application Development, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Structures, Theoretical Computer Science, Independent Thinking, Probability, Computer Programming, Interactive Design, Program Development, Big Data, Python Programming, Data Analysis, Network Analysis, Computational Logic

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      4.1K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • U

      University of London

      Introduction to Computer Programming

      Skills you'll gain: Development Environment, Debugging, Program Development, Computer Programming Tools, Software Development Tools, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Computer Programming, Computer Graphics, Integrated Development Environments, Event-Driven Programming, Javascript, Object Oriented Programming (OOP)

      4.1
      Rating, 4.1 out of 5 stars
      ·
      899 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • U

      University of California, Santa Cruz

      C for Everyone: Programming Fundamentals

      Skills you'll gain: Debugging, C (Programming Language), Programming Principles, Data Structures, Computer Programming, Program Development, Computer Science, Computational Thinking, Algorithms, System Programming

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      6.6K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Computer Programming learners also search

    Computer
    C Programming
    Programming
    C
    Beginner Programming
    Development
    C Programming Projects
    Programming Projects
    1234…241

    In summary, here are 10 of our most popular computer programming courses

    • Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose: Princeton University
    • Learn to Program: The Fundamentals: University of Toronto
    • Code Yourself! An Introduction to Programming: The University of Edinburgh
    • Python for Data Science, AI & Development: IBM
    • Introduction to Computer Science and Programming: University of London
    • Coding for Everyone: C and C++: University of California, Santa Cruz
    • Introductory C Programming: Duke University
    • Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python): University of Michigan
    • Introduction to Java: LearnQuest
    • Fundamentals of Computing: Rice University

    Frequently Asked Questions about Computer Programming

    If you're looking to get into computer programming, two of the best free courses to check out are Learn to Program and the Introduction to Programming course. For those already with some programming experience, the Programming Foundations with Java course is also great to improve your skills.‎

    If you are looking for a great starting point to learn computer programming, you should check out the Coursera specializations for programming with Python and Java. Additionally, the IBM Full Stack Cloud Developer Professional Certificate is a comprehensive and comprehensive choice for those wanting to learn deployment and cloud development. For an introduction to the basics of computer programming, there is the Introduction to Computer Programming course.‎

    For those looking to advance their computer programming knowledge and proficiency, the Specialization in Programming with Python and Java provides a comprehensive set of courses. Similarly, professional certificates like the IBM Full Stack Cloud Developer, the IBM Data Engineer, and the IBM Data Analyst with R, Excel provide focused and deep learning opportunities.‎

    Computer programming is the set of instructions that are written in code and is used within an application, computer, or network to direct the machine to do a certain task. Computer programmers write the code, and through the process, that code instructs an application, or software program, exactly what it is supposed to do. Computer programming is the broad term used for all types of software programming that tells the computer what it is supposed to do. When you move your cursor to put your PC to sleep or to restart or shut down, you're clicking on a visual button written with computer programming.‎

    When you learn computer programming, you're increasing your ability to think and develop logical, structured brain processes. Solving a computer programming problem means you can break down the large issue into workable chunks, and then write code around those individual problems.

    Learning computer programming teaches your brain to use logic and persistence to solve a computer problem. You can use this style of logical thinking in other areas of your life to start figuring out new ways to solve problems. Learning computer programming will help you do that.‎

    When you know computer programming, you can work in software development jobs, mobile application jobs, corporate IT jobs, network administration jobs, and many more technology positions. So many careers use computer programming today.

    Computer programming is so important to how our connected world runs, that learning how to code is almost one of the most common job requirements in the technology and IT industries. You can become very employable even by just knowing the basics of computer programming.‎

    When you take online courses, you can gain knowledge about software development and the basics of programming languages like Java, Python, and SQL. There are online courses in many interconnected areas around computer programming. When you understand the basics, you can venture forth into more specific computer programming areas that excite you such as genomic data science, mathematics for machine learning, and AI.‎

    Online Computer Programming courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Computer Programming skills. Choose from a wide range of Computer Programming courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.‎

    When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Computer Programming, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here.‎

    This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

    Other topics to explore

    Arts and Humanities
    338 courses
    Business
    1095 courses
    Computer Science
    668 courses
    Data Science
    425 courses
    Information Technology
    145 courses
    Health
    471 courses
    Math and Logic
    70 courses
    Personal Development
    137 courses
    Physical Science and Engineering
    413 courses
    Social Sciences
    401 courses
    Language Learning
    150 courses

    Coursera Footer

    Technical Skills

    • ChatGPT
    • Coding
    • Computer Science
    • Cybersecurity
    • DevOps
    • Ethical Hacking
    • Generative AI
    • Java Programming
    • Python
    • Web Development

    Analytical Skills

    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Big Data
    • Business Analysis
    • Data Analytics
    • Data Science
    • Financial Modeling
    • Machine Learning
    • Microsoft Excel
    • Microsoft Power BI
    • SQL

    Business Skills

    • Accounting
    • Digital Marketing
    • E-commerce
    • Finance
    • Google
    • Graphic Design
    • IBM
    • Marketing
    • Project Management
    • Social Media Marketing

    Career Resources

    • Essential IT Certifications
    • High-Income Skills to Learn
    • How to Get a PMP Certification
    • How to Learn Artificial Intelligence
    • Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
    • Popular Data Analytics Certifications
    • What Does a Data Analyst Do?
    • Career Development Resources
    • Career Aptitude Test
    • Share your Coursera Learning Story

    Coursera

    • About
    • What We Offer
    • Leadership
    • Careers
    • Catalog
    • Coursera Plus
    • Professional Certificates
    • MasterTrack® Certificates
    • Degrees
    • For Enterprise
    • For Government
    • For Campus
    • Become a Partner
    • Social Impact
    • Free Courses
    • ECTS Credit Recommendations

    Community

    • Learners
    • Partners
    • Beta Testers
    • Blog
    • The Coursera Podcast
    • Tech Blog
    • Teaching Center

    More

    • Press
    • Investors
    • Terms
    • Privacy
    • Help
    • Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Articles
    • Directory
    • Affiliates
    • Modern Slavery Statement
    • Manage Cookie Preferences
    Learn Anywhere
    Download on the App Store
    Get it on Google Play
    Logo of Certified B Corporation
    © 2025 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
    • Coursera Facebook
    • Coursera Linkedin
    • Coursera Twitter
    • Coursera YouTube
    • Coursera Instagram
    • Coursera TikTok