Linux Basics: The Command Line Interface - 6 (Coursera)

Linux Basics: The Command Line Interface - 6 (Coursera)

This course will introduce you to Linux, a powerful operating system used by most professional developers! Why add Linux to your C programming skills? Most people use Linux without knowing it! Whether you use a smartphone, search the web, or use an ATM, each time Linux is involved somewhere in the background. It is the most used operating system for embedded devices and high-performance servers. It is also the most common operating system used by developers to create software applications.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

In this course, you will learn the history of Linux and how its open source community was able to create today’s most advanced operating system. You will navigate the file system, use fundamental Linux commands and master the Linux command line interface. These are essential skills for every developer.
You will also be able to produce software written in C using the industry-standard tools on Linux.
We are excited to introduce you to Linux and guide you along your path to becoming a skilled user of this powerful operating system!
At the end of this short course, you will reach the sixth milestone of the C Programming with Linux Specialization, unlocking the door to a career in computer engineering.
Your job Outlook:

  • Programmers, developers, engineers, managers, and related industries within scientific computing and data science;
  • Embedded systems such as transportation, utility networks, and aerospace;
  • Robotics industry and manufacturing;
  • IoT (Internet of Things) used in smart homes, automation, and wearables.
  • IEEE, the world’s largest technical professional organization for the advancement of technology, ranks C as one of the top programming languages of 2017 in demand by employers. (Source: IEEE Spectrum)

Course 6 of 7 in the C Programming with Linux Specialization.

What You Will Learn

  • Use basic commands to control the Linux Operating System
  • Navigate and manipulate the Linux Filesystem using the command line interface
  • Manage the memory and processes running on Linux.
  • Compile and execute a C program in Linux

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
WEEK 1
Welcome
Let's get coding!
Week 1: History of Linux and the command line
By the end of Week 1, you will be able to describe the background, key dates, and important people of the creation of Linux projects, UNIX, and C. You will also be able to run commonly used pre-installed programs on Linux via the command line interface.
WEEK 2
Week 2: The Linux file system
By the end of Week 2, You will be able to navigate through the Linux Filesystem with the command line interface. You will also be comfortable working with files and in directories using the following skills: creating, deleting, copying, renaming, and moving.

WEEK 3
Week 3: C program compilation with gcc
By the end of Week 3, you will be able to inspect the memory consumption of processes using the Linux common line interface (CLI), as well as build interactive programs for the CLI in the C programming language. You will also be able to evaluate the average CPU consumption, distinguish between compilation and interpretation of programs, and run/compile a program written in C on Linux.
Concluding the course

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Simulation, Algorithm Analysis, and Pointers (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado System

Simulation, Algorithm Analysis, and Pointers (Coursera)

This course is the fourth and final course in the specialization exploring both computational thinking and beginning C programming. Rather than trying to define computational thinking, we’ll just say it’s a problem-solving process that includes lots of different components. Most people have a better understanding of what beginning C programming means!

Jun 22nd 2026
4 Weeks
Writing, Running, and Fixing Code in C (Coursera) Coursera
Duke University

Writing, Running, and Fixing Code in C (Coursera)

Building on the course Programming Fundamentals, this course will teach you how to write code by first planning what your program should do—an important approach for novice and professional programmers. You will learn how to compile and run your program, and then how to test and debug it. This course builds on the Seven Steps you have already learned and provides a framework for systematically testing for problems and fixing them, so you can find and fix problems efficiently.

Jun 29th 2026
4 Weeks
Linux System Programming and Introduction to Buildroot (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado Boulder

Linux System Programming and Introduction to Buildroot (Coursera)

This course provides an overview of System Programming for the Linux operating system, or software which is interfacing directly with the Linux Kernel and C library. The basic components of a Linux Embedded System, including kernel and root filesystem details are discussed. The Buildroot build system is introduced, which students use to build their own custom Embedded Linux system through programming assignments.

Jun 29th 2026
4 Weeks
Securing Linux Systems (Coursera) Coursera
LearnQuest

Securing Linux Systems (Coursera)

In this course, we look at security and the Linux operating system. The course material is a good for anyone preparing for the Linux Foundation Certified IT Associate (LFCA) exam or just interested in learning more about Linux. This course is the third course in a series that aims to prepare you for working as an information technology professional. In this course, you will be introduced to ownership, authentication, and authorization. We will drill into creating security through backups and redundancy. We concluded by looking at how to secure the perimeter of our network and systems.

Jun 29th 2026
4 Weeks
Linux Fundamentals (Coursera) Coursera
LearnQuest

Linux Fundamentals (Coursera)

This course is the first of a series that aims to prepare you for a role working as an information technology professional. In this course, you will be introduced to the Linux operating system. You will learn about the licensing model and several Linux distributions. We will go through some services delivered in the Linux operating system. We will conclude this course by looking at how to search and analyze text using command line tools in the operating system.

Jun 29th 2026
4 Weeks
Introduction to Programming (Coursera) Coursera
Birla Institute of Technology & Science

Introduction to Programming (Coursera)

This course aims to prepare you for problem solving through programming. In this course, you’ll be introduced to the C Programming Language. You’ll learn about various constructs supported by C Language and use them to write programs which can solve scientific problems. This course covers a wide variety of topics in fundamentals of programming that are designed to give you an overview of what’s to come in the BITS Pilani BSc Computer Science degree program.

Jun 29th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Intermediate Object-Oriented Programming for Unity Games (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado System

Intermediate Object-Oriented Programming for Unity Games (Coursera)

This course is the third course in the specialization about learning how to develop video games using the C# programming language and the Unity game engine on Windows or Mac. Why use C# and Unity instead of some other language and game engine? Well, C# is a really good language for learning how to program and then programming professionally. Also, the Unity game engine is very popular with indie game developers; Unity games were downloaded 16,000,000,000 times in 2016! Finally, C# is one of the programming languages you can use in the Unity environment.

Jun 22nd 2026
4 Weeks