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.

How can I purchase programming training courses for my team?

Looking to enhance your team's programming skills? Coursera provides tailored enterprise solutions for teams ranging of 5-125 employees. Our offerings include advanced analytics, customized learning paths, and collaborative tools. To explore our programming training options and make a purchase, please visit our Coursera for Teams page.

Best Programming Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Programming Course Catalog

Duke University
Programming Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Algorithms, Pseudocode, Computational Thinking, Computer Programming, Data Structures, Development Testing, Debugging
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
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, 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
University of Washington
Programming Languages, Part A
Skills you'll gain: Software Installation, Programming Principles, Other Programming Languages, Functional Design, Computer Programming, Ruby (Programming Language), Theoretical Computer Science, Software Design
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
1.9K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Duke University
Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Java, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Software Design, Data Structures, Debugging, Web Design and Development, Software Engineering, Cryptography, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Web Development, Programming Principles, Javascript, Encryption, Algorithms, Program Development, Web Applications, Front-End Web Development, Statistical Analysis, Computer Programming
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
22K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Michigan
Python 3 Programming
Skills you'll gain: Unified Modeling Language, JSON, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Debugging, Object Oriented Design, Data Processing, Unit Testing, Programming Principles, Program Development, Data Import/Export, Restful API, Python Programming, Image Analysis, Data Manipulation, Jupyter, Data Structures, Software Engineering, Application Programming Interface (API), File Management, Functional Design
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
23K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
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
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
Status: Free
The University of Edinburgh
Code Yourself! An Introduction to Programming
Skills you'll gain: Software Engineering, Program Development, 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
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
Status: Free
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
University of California, Irvine
Programming with Google Go
Skills you'll gain: Go (Programming Language), Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Algorithms, JSON, OS Process Management, Distributed Computing, Data Structures, Data Import/Export, System Programming, Development Environment, Software Design, Programming Principles, Remote Access Systems, Computer Programming, Operating Systems, File Management, Program Development
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2.9K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
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
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months