Firebase Cloud Messaging
Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) is a cross-platform messaging solution provided by Google that allows developers to send notifications and data messages to iOS, Android, and web applications reliably and at no cost. It handles message delivery, queuing, and routing, enabling real-time communication between servers and client apps. FCM supports both notification messages (displayed automatically by the system) and data messages (processed by the app).
Developers should use FCM when building mobile or web apps that require push notifications, such as for user engagement, alerts, or real-time updates in chat, news, or e-commerce applications. It is particularly valuable for cross-platform projects due to its unified API for iOS, Android, and web, and it integrates seamlessly with other Firebase services like Analytics and Cloud Functions for enhanced functionality. FCM is free for unlimited messages, making it cost-effective for startups and large-scale applications.