How should I start learning C from absolute zero?

Don’t assume that disliking programming means you can’t learn it, but do try to find a small project or exercise that makes the process less frustrating. Many people dislike programming mainly because the early stages are confusing. Learn one concept, test it with tiny variations, and observe what changes. Also remember that C is fairly low-level, so you don’t need to understand every detail at once—focus on the fundamentals before worrying about advanced memory behavior or software design.

Start with problem-solving rather than trying to memorize the language. A useful progression is variables, input and output, conditionals, loops, functions, arrays, strings, pointers, and structures. For each topic, write several tiny programs yourself. Before touching the keyboard, describe the solution in plain English or pseudocode, then translate those steps into C. It’s fine to go slowly—writing and debugging many small programs is what builds confidence.

A structured beginner course with exercises would be a strong starting point. CS50 is free and uses C heavily while also introducing broader computer science ideas. The assignments begin with simple problems, provide feedback, and gradually become more challenging, so you’re practicing instead of only watching lectures. Once you understand the fundamentals, it becomes much easier to search for specific C topics and experiment on your own.

Try thinking in algorithms first. An algorithm is just a precise sequence of steps for solving a problem. A good exercise is to explain how to make a simple sandwich to someone who interprets every instruction literally and misunderstands anything vague. You’ll quickly see why every step must be explicit. Conditional statements are simply decisions in that sequence—for example, checking whether an ingredient is in a jar, box, or bag and choosing the appropriate steps. Writing pseudocode and tracing it by hand can help develop this way of thinking.