Can you recommend programming lesson publishers for building small projects and practicing hands-on exercises?

Yes — if you want small projects, lots of exercises, and practical hands-on learning, these publishers/platforms are strong picks:

Good publishers for project-based programming lessons

1. Manning

• Known for practical programming books and “hands-on” style titles.
• Many books include real projects, examples, and exercises.
• Good for intermediate learners who want to build things while learning.

2. O’Reilly

• Huge catalog with very strong technical content.
• Often includes practical examples, real-world workflows, and project-oriented learning.
• Great for almost any language or framework.

3. No Starch Press

• Excellent for beginner-friendly, project-based books.
• Often very approachable and exercise-heavy.
• Good if you want to learn by building small, fun projects.

4. Packt

• Very large selection, especially for modern frameworks and tools.
• Many books are centered around building apps or systems step by step.
• Quality can vary by title, so it’s worth checking reviews before buying.

5. Pragmatic Bookshelf

• Focuses on practical software development.
• Strong for hands-on, real-world programming and web development.
• Usually well structured and project-focused.

6. Apress

• Offers a wide range of practical programming books.
• Good for focused, skill-building titles and application-based learning.
• Quality is often solid, especially for popular technologies.

Platforms with lots of exercise-driven content

7. Coursera / Udemy / Pluralsight

• Not publishers in the classic sense, but very good for hands-on lessons.
• Often includes coding exercises, mini-projects, and guided practice.
• Useful if you want structured lessons instead of just reading.

8. Leanpub

• Great for newer or frequently updated books.
• Many authors publish practical, project-oriented programming guides there.
• Useful if you want niche or modern topics.

Best choices by learning style

• Beginner-friendly projects: No Starch Press
• Serious practical programming: Manning, Pragmatic Bookshelf
• Broadest selection: O’Reilly, Packt
• Practice through lessons: Udemy, Coursera, Pluralsight

If you want, I can also give you:

1. specific book recommendations by language (Python, JavaScript, Java, etc.), or
2. a ranked list for absolute beginners.