Overview & Analysis
Manning Publications is a technology-focused learning platform and publisher that provides books, eBooks, online courses, liveProjects, audiobooks, and hands-on learning resources for software developers, AI engineers, data scientists, DevOps professionals, and IT practitioners. Founded in 1990, Manning is well known for its practical, developer-focused content and popular book series such as In Action, Grokking, In Practice, and In a Month of Lunches.
The platform offers multiple learning formats:
- Technical books (print & digital)
- liveBook interactive reader
- liveVideo courses
- liveProject hands-on coding projects
- liveAudio audiobooks
- Manning Early Access Program (MEAP)
A unique feature of Manning is its MEAP (Manning Early Access Program), which allows users to access books while they are still being written and receive updates until the final version is released.
Manning’s content covers topics such as:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Data Science
- Python
- Java
- Cloud Computing
- DevOps
- Cybersecurity
- Software Architecture
- Web Development
The platform also includes liveProject, a project-based learning system where learners solve real-world coding challenges, write production-style code, and compare their solutions with expert implementations.
Manning reports an overall customer satisfaction rating of approximately 4.7/5 based on tens of thousands of ratings.
Key Features
Manning Early Access Program (MEAP)
Get access to books while they are being written and receive updates until the final release.
liveBook
Interactive online reading platform with searchable content, code samples, exercises, and annotations.
liveProject
Hands-on project-based learning where users solve real-world programming challenges and build portfolio-worthy projects.
liveVideo
Interactive online video courses featuring exercises, quizzes, and coding activities.
AI & Data Science Learning Library
Provides extensive resources on AI, machine learning, LLMs, data engineering, and generative AI.
DRM-Free Digital Content
Allows users to download and access purchased eBooks and learning materials across devices without restrictive DRM limitations.
✅ Pros
- Large library of developer-focused content
- Strong reputation in the software industry
- High-quality AI and machine learning resources
- Includes books, videos, projects, and audio formats
- Early access to upcoming books through MEAP
- Hands-on learning with liveProject
- Practical real-world coding examples
- Covers beginner to advanced topics
- DRM-free eBook downloads available
- Strong community of developers and learners
❌ Cons
- Premium content can be expensive individually
- Some books remain in MEAP for extended periods
- Hands-on projects may be challenging for beginners
- Focused mainly on technical subjects
- Limited non-technical business content
- Some courses require prior programming knowledge