• For Individuals
  • For Businesses
  • For Universities
  • For Governments
Coursera
  • Log In
  • Join for Free
    Coursera
    • Browse
    • Programming Basics

    Programming Basics Courses Online

    Learn programming basics for building a foundation in coding. Understand syntax, data structures, and algorithms in various programming languages.

    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.
    Earn career credentials while taking courses that count towards your Master’s degree.
    Earn your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree online for a fraction of the cost of in-person learning.
    Complete graduate-level learning without committing to a full degree program.
    Earn a university-issued career credential in a flexible, interactive format.
    Graduate level learning within reach.

    Level
    Required
     *

    Duration
    Required
     *

    Skills
    Required
     *

    Subtitles
    Required
     *

    Educator
    Required
     *

    Explore the Programming Basics Course Catalog

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      V

      Vanderbilt University

      Introduction to Programming with MATLAB

      Skills you'll gain: Matlab, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Debugging, Mathematical Software, Development Environment, Computer Science, User Interface (UI), File Management, Data Import/Export, Data Structures, Computational Logic, Engineering Calculations, Plot (Graphics), Problem Solving

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      18K reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      M

      Microsoft

      Python Programming Fundamentals

      Skills you'll gain: Version Control, GitHub, Debugging, Git (Version Control System), Unit Testing, Data Structures, Python Programming, Software Testing, Programming Principles, Scripting, Computer Programming, Web Development, Algorithms, Program Development, Development Environment, Scripting Languages, Integrated Development Environments, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Jupyter

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      387 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      M

      Meta

      Programming Fundamentals in Kotlin

      Skills you'll gain: Kotlin, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Programming Principles, Android Development, Data Structures, Computer Programming, Mobile Development, Integrated Development Environments, Debugging

      4.7
      Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
      ·
      334 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      E

      EDUCBA

      Embedded C Programming Essentials

      Skills you'll gain: Embedded Software, Debugging, Embedded Systems, Integrated Development Environments, C (Programming Language), Development Environment, Electronic Hardware, Electronics, Software Development Tools, Computer Architecture, Computer Programming

      4.8
      Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
      ·
      67 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Michigan

      Programming for Designers

      Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Animation and Game Design, Interactive Data Visualization, Software Design, Technical Design, Data Structures, Visualization (Computer Graphics), Interactive Design, Programming Principles, Graphic and Visual Design, Python Programming, Generative AI, Simulations, Computer Graphics, Design, Computational Logic, Computer Programming, Creative Design, Data Import/Export, Computational Thinking

      5
      Rating, 5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      6 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of California, Santa Cruz

      C for Everyone: Structured Programming

      Skills you'll gain: C (Programming Language), Debugging, C++ (Programming Language), Data Structures, Computer Programming, Command-Line Interface, Data-oriented programming, Algorithms, File Management

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      781 reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      L

      LearnQuest

      Introduction to Computer Programming with Visual Basic

      Skills you'll gain: Unified Modeling Language, Visual Basic (Programming Language), Database Management, System Software, Databases, Relational Databases, Algorithms, Computer Architecture, Network Security, Computer Hardware, SQL, Computer Science, Development Environment, Data Structures, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Object Oriented Design, Program Development, Computer Programming, Data Modeling, Microsoft Development Tools

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      165 reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of Pennsylvania

      Introduction to Programming with Python and Java

      Skills you'll gain: Matplotlib, Object Oriented Design, Java, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Data Analysis, Unit Testing, Pandas (Python Package), Java Programming, Eclipse (Software), Application Development, Data Visualization, Data Structures, Data Science, Data Cleansing, Debugging, Pivot Tables And Charts, Data Visualization Software, Programming Principles, Python Programming, Computer Programming

      4.5
      Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
      ·
      1.9K reviews

      Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      U

      University of California, Irvine

      Getting Started with Go

      Skills you'll gain: Go (Programming Language), JSON, Programming Principles, Development Environment, Data Structures, Remote Access Systems, File Management, Program Development, Software Development Tools

      4.6
      Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
      ·
      2.4K reviews

      Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      D

      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
      Free Trial
      U

      University of London

      Introduction to Computer Science and Programming

      Skills you'll gain: Computer Science, Debugging, Development Environment, Computer Systems, Web Applications, Arithmetic, Computer Literacy, Javascript, Network Security, Computer Networking, Program Development, Computer Graphics, Web Design and Development, Cybersecurity, Computer Programming, Problem Management, Computational Thinking, General Mathematics, Systems Of Measurement, Problem Solving

      Build toward a degree

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

      Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    • Status: Free Trial
      Free Trial
      B

      Board Infinity

      Fundamentals of Java Programming

      Skills you'll gain: Eclipse (Software), Java Programming, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Java, Object Oriented Design, Integrated Development Environments, Development Environment, Computer Programming, Debugging, Virtual Machines, Algorithms

      4.4
      Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
      ·
      574 reviews

      Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Programming Basics learners also search

    C Programming
    Programming
    C
    Beginner Programming
    Development
    C Programming Projects
    Programming Projects
    Computer Programming
    1234…396

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

    • Introduction to Programming with MATLAB: Vanderbilt University
    • Python Programming Fundamentals: Microsoft
    • Programming Fundamentals in Kotlin: Meta
    • Embedded C Programming Essentials: EDUCBA
    • Programming for Designers: University of Michigan
    • C for Everyone: Structured Programming: University of California, Santa Cruz
    • Introduction to Computer Programming with Visual Basic: LearnQuest
    • Introduction to Programming with Python and Java: University of Pennsylvania
    • Getting Started with Go: University of California, Irvine
    • Programming Fundamentals: Duke University

    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

    Skills

    • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
    • Cybersecurity
    • Data Analytics
    • Digital Marketing
    • English Speaking
    • Generative AI (GenAI)
    • Microsoft Excel
    • Microsoft Power BI
    • Project Management
    • Python

    Certificates & Programs

    • Google Cybersecurity Certificate
    • Google Data Analytics Certificate
    • Google IT Support Certificate
    • Google Project Management Certificate
    • Google UX Design Certificate
    • IBM Data Analyst Certificate
    • IBM Data Science Certificate
    • Machine Learning Certificate
    • Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Certificate
    • UI / UX Design Certificate

    Industries & Careers

    • Business
    • Computer Science
    • Data Science
    • Education & Teaching
    • Engineering
    • Finance
    • Healthcare
    • Human Resources (HR)
    • Information Technology (IT)
    • Marketing

    Career Resources

    • Career Aptitude Test
    • Examples of Strengths and Weaknesses for Job Interviews
    • High-Income Skills to Learn
    • How Does Cryptocurrency Work?
    • How to Highlight Duplicates in Google Sheets
    • How to Learn Artificial Intelligence
    • Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
    • Preparing for the PMP Certification
    • Signs You Will Get the Job After an Interview
    • What Is Artificial Intelligence?

    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
    • Share your Coursera learning story

    Community

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

    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