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

Status: Free
The University of Edinburgh
Code Yourself! An Introduction to Programming
Skills you'll gain: Software Engineering, Video Game Development, Software Testing, Software Development, Programming Principles, Software Design, Game Design, 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, Program Development, Computational Thinking, Algorithms, Animations, Debugging
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
1.3K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Duke University
Programming Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Algorithms, Pseudocode, Computational Thinking, Computer Programming, Data Structures, Software Testing, Debugging
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6.9K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Duke University
Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Java, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Software Design, Software Design Patterns, Data Structures, HTML and CSS, Debugging, Software Engineering, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Web Development, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Javascript, Encryption, Algorithms, AI Personalization, Web Design, Data Processing, Statistical Analysis
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
22K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
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
University of Michigan
Python 3 Programming
Skills you'll gain: Unified Modeling Language, JSON, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Software Design, Debugging, Object Oriented Design, Data Processing, Web Scraping, Unit Testing, Programming Principles, Data Import/Export, Restful API, Python Programming, Image Analysis, Data Manipulation, Jupyter, Maintainability, Data Structures, Software Engineering, File Management
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
23K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
University of Washington
Programming Languages, Part A
Skills you'll gain: Software Installation, Programming Principles, Other Programming Languages, Functional Design, Ruby (Programming Language), Software Design Patterns, Computational Thinking
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
1.9K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Michigan
Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python)
Skills you'll gain: Programming Principles, Computer Programming, Python Programming, Software Installation, Development Environment
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
231K 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, Programming Principles, OS Process Management, Functional Design, Data Structures, Other Programming Languages, System Programming, Development Environment, Software Design, Remote Access Systems, Software Installation, Operating Systems, File Management, Program Development, Computer Architecture
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2.9K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 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, Operating Systems, Development Environment, User Interface (UI), Data Import/Export
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
7.3K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Meta
Programming in Python
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Unit Testing, Test Driven Development (TDD), Programming Principles, Software Testing, Data Structures, Python Programming, Computer Programming, Development Environment, Integrated Development Environments, Debugging
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.7K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Multiple educators
Object Oriented Programming in Java
Skills you'll gain: Unit Testing, Data Structures, Event-Driven Programming, Interactive Data Visualization, Java, Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Development Testing, User Interface (UI), Debugging, Java Programming, Software Testing, Computer Programming, Software Engineering, Algorithms, Performance Tuning, Encryption, Programming Principles, Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Software Design
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
15K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months