Is Neural Networks and Deep Learning Free, and How Can Readers Support It?

Updated

Neural Networks and Deep Learning is available to read online, and readers who benefit from it are invited to make an optional donation—the site suggests $5, though you can choose the amount—via PayPal or by sending Bitcoin to the address listed on the site. There is no indication that payment is required to access the book; the donation request is framed as a way to support the author if you find the material useful.

What the Site Says About Cost and Donations

The book's own page states: "If you benefit from the book, please make a small donation. I suggest $5, but you can choose the amount." Two donation routes are given:

  • PayPal — the site lists PayPal among its payment platforms.
  • Bitcoin — sent to the address published on the page.

The wording is a request tied to benefit received, not a paywall or subscription. The site does not state that any part of the book is locked behind payment, so the donation should be treated as voluntary support rather than a purchase price.

Other Ways to Support or Follow the Project

Beyond donating, the site points to a few related channels:

Channel What it offers
Michael Nielsen's project announcement mailing list Updates on the author's projects (hosted on Substack)
Sponsors and supporters The page thanks supporters, with special thanks to Pavel Dudrenov, and lists contributors to the "Bugfinder Hall of Fame"
Code repository Linked under Resources, alongside the Book FAQ and the author's Twitter

The acknowledgements and sponsor listings show that the project has been sustained by a community of readers and backers, not only by direct donations.

If You Want to Explore Further

The Resources section also links to Deep Learning by Ian Goodfellow, Yoshua Bengio, and Aaron Courville, and to cognitivemedium.com—useful next steps if the book leaves you wanting more. For questions about the book itself, the Book FAQ is the first place to check before reaching out.

In short: read the book online, and if it proves valuable, the site gives you a clear, low-pressure way to give something back—$5 suggested, any amount accepted, PayPal or Bitcoin.