What are the best programming courses online?

Browse the programming courses below—popular starting points on Coursera. Python for Data Science, AI & Development: IBM Code Yourself! An Introduction to Programming: The University of Edinburgh Computer Science: Programming with a Purpose: Princeton University Programming in Python:Meta Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python): University of Michigan Data Analysis with R Programming: Google Programming Fundamentals: Duke University

What skills can I learn in programming courses on Coursera?

Programming courses on Coursera provide learners with essential skills that are fundamental to various computing tasks and technology careers, including: Understanding basic to advanced concepts of programming languages such as Python , Java , and C++ Writing clean, efficient, and error-free code Developing algorithms to solve problems and perform data analysis Applying object-oriented programming (OOP) principles to organize software design Using version control systems like Git to manage code changes Developing web and mobile applications Implementing security best practices in software development

Do I need prior experience in coding to enroll in these programming courses?

Coursera's programming courses are designed to meet learners at their point of need, regardless of their prior experience: Beginners: No prior experience is necessary. Introductory courses start with the basics of programming and build foundational skills. Intermediate Learners: Some understanding of basic programming concepts is helpful. Courses focus on more complex aspects of programming and software development. Advanced Learners: For those with solid programming experience, advanced courses explore specialized areas like software engineering, advanced data structures, and complex algorithmic challenges.

What certifications and credentials can I earn by studying programming on Coursera?

Participating in programming courses on Coursera can lead to a variety of credentials that can highlight your skills and development: Certificates of Completion: You can earn a certificate for each programming course completed, which can showcase your proficiency in specific programming languages or technologies. Professional Certificates: These certificates are intended to prepare you for specific technology roles by combining coursework that builds a comprehensive skill set. Specializations: These are focused on particular areas of programming and are designed to provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills that can be beneficial in the tech industry.

What career opportunities are available with skills in programming?

Mastering programming opens up a wide array of career opportunities across multiple industries, including: Software Developer : Building and maintaining software systems. Web Developer : Creating and optimizing websites and web applications. Mobile App Developer: Designing applications for iOS and Android devices. Systems Engineer : Ensuring that complex, multi-part systems function properly together. Data Analyst : Analyzing data to help companies make informed decisions. DevOps Engineer : Bridging the gap between development and operations in software production.

Best Programming Courses & Certificates [2025]

Find the best Programming course for your goals

Status: Preview
The University of Edinburgh
Code Yourself! An Introduction to Programming
Skills you'll gain: Software Engineering, Software Development, Programming Principles, Software Design, Game Design, Event-Driven Programming, Computer Programming, Animation and Game Design, Debugging, Computational Thinking, Algorithms
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
3.6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
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 Programming, Java, Computational Thinking, Computer Science, Algorithms, Animations, Debugging
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Meta
Programming in Python
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Unit Testing, Test Driven Development (TDD), Software Testing, Data Structures, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Development Environment, Integrated Development Environments, Debugging, Algorithms, Django (Web Framework), Cloud Hosting
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
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
232K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Introductory C Programming
Skills you'll gain: Debugging, Programming Principles, Maintainability, Software Testing, Program Development, C (Programming Language), Algorithms, Pseudocode, Simulations, System Programming, Computer Programming, Data Structures, Software Development, Software Engineering, Command-Line Interface, Operating Systems, Development Environment, User Interface (UI), Problem Solving, Software Design
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
7.4K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of California, Irvine
Programming with Google Go
Skills you'll gain: Go (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Algorithms, JSON, Programming Principles, OS Process Management, Functional Design, Data Structures, System Programming, Development Environment, Software Design, Remote Access Systems, Operating Systems, File Management, Program Development, Software Development Tools, Debugging, Computer Architecture
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
3K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

Start my career

Change my career

Grow in my current role

Explore topics outside of work

Status: Free Trial
Meta
Programming with JavaScript
Skills you'll gain: Jest (JavaScript Testing Framework), Web Development Tools, Javascript, Unit Testing, Web Applications, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Scripting Languages, Event-Driven Programming, Node.JS, Scripting, JSON, Computer Programming, Data Structures, Debugging, Package and Software Management, Program Development, Front-End Web Development, Functional Design
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.8K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Programming Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Algorithms, C (Programming Language), Computer Programming, Problem Solving
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Google
Data Analysis with R Programming
Skills you'll gain: Rmarkdown, Ggplot2, R Programming, Data Analysis, Tidyverse (R Package), Data Visualization, Statistical Programming, Data Visualization Software, Data Cleansing, Data Manipulation, Data Import/Export, Package and Software Management
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
12K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: User Interface (UI), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Computational Thinking, HTML and CSS, Java, Java Programming, Software Design, Data Structures, Debugging, Software Engineering, Interactive Design, Cryptography, Web Development, Web Design, Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Javascript, Algorithms, Data Analysis, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
22K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Michigan
C Programming for Everybody
Skills you'll gain: C (Programming Language), C++ (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Structures, Programming Principles, Algorithms, Computer Programming, Software Design, Application Security, Other Programming Languages, Python Programming, System Programming, Computer Architecture, Java, Performance Tuning, Unix, Computer Science, Debugging
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
183 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Preview
University of California San Diego
Biology Meets Programming: Bioinformatics for Beginners
Skills you'll gain: Bioinformatics, Programming Principles, Python Programming, Computational Thinking, Biology, Data Structures
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
1.6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks