Firebase, Google’s comprehensive app development platform, has undergone some exciting upgrades in 2023. As part of Google I/O 2023, Firebase has unveiled a multitude of new features and updates. In this detailed guide, let’s explore what’s new and exciting in Firebase in 2023.
Quick Jumps
Generative AI and Firebase Integration
The highlight of Google I/O 2023 was the announcement of the integration of generative AI into Firebase. This new integration is aimed at transforming app development and unlocking innovative possibilities. The new AI card game, I/O Flip, is a vivid example of this integration. Developed using Firebase backend products like Authentication, Firestore, and Cloud Storage, the game demonstrates the potential of combining Firebase with other Google technologies such as Flutter, MakerSuite, and the PaLM API.
Firebase users can now harness the power of the PaLM API using new Extensions. The API forms the foundation of Google’s own AI experiences and allows developers to incorporate AI into their apps.
Firebase has also introduced several new Extensions, allowing developers to leverage Google’s generative AI capabilities to add smart features to their apps. For instance, the “Chatbot with PaLM API” extension connects the PaLM API with Firestore, enabling developers to add intelligent chat capabilities to their apps with Google’s cutting-edge generative AI technology.
Infrastructure Enhancements and Improved Integration
Firebase is committed to providing tools and services that can seamlessly integrate with new AI products. The aim is to help developers work more efficiently and bring their products to market swiftly. To this end, Firebase has strengthened its infrastructure and improved integration across its toolchain to make full-stack development more seamless and straightforward.
New AI Extensions Powered by the PaLM API
Firebase Extensions are pre-packaged serverless solutions that allow developers to quickly add new capabilities to their apps. The newly unveiled Extensions let developers use Google’s generative AI capabilities to enhance their apps with smart features.
Introducing the Extensions Publishing Experience
Firebase now offers developers a platform to build, publish, and share their own extensions with millions of Firebase and Google Cloud developers globally. This initiative is aimed at creating a robust ecosystem of extensions to solve countless problems and benefit the entire Google developer community.
Cloud Functions for Firebase 2nd Gen Supports Python.
Firebase has also announced the general availability of Cloud Functions second generation (2nd gen), which enables developers to run backend code in response to events without the need to manage servers. The new version supports Python, allowing developers to write functions using their preferred languages and toolchains.
OR Queries in Firestore
In a significant update, Firebase has introduced support for generic OR queries in Firestore. This feature enables developers to find documents that meet one or more criteria, allowing for the combination of multiple conditions in multiple fields.
App Check for Authentication and Games
Firebase’s App Check has been extended to cover Authentication with Identity Platform, protecting user sign-in resources from unauthorized access.
Terraform Integration to Automate Provisioning and Configuration Workflows
Firebase now supports Terraform resources for projects, apps, and key cloud resources. This integration allows developers to automate the provisioning and configuration of cloud resources, ensuring a consistent backend across testing, staging, and production environments.
Deep Integrations Across Platforms
Firebase continues to deepen its integrations across various platforms, enabling developers to deploy their websites globally with ease.
Deploy with Firebase Hosting
Firebase has added experimental support for server-based frameworks, including SvelteKit, Astro, and Nuxt, to its Hosting service. This update allows developers to deploy dynamic web frameworks with a single CLI command: firebase deploy.
Support for Flutter Web
Firebase has also announced experimental support for WebAssembly Flutter web, which will now be detected and deployed by Firebase’s deploy command.
Improve Start-Up Performance and Quality for Android Apps
Firebase has made significant improvements to its core Android SDK to reduce CPU consumption, which in turn reduces startup time.
Collect Tester Feedback In-App Using App Distribution
Firebase’s App Distribution now allows testers to submit feedback, including screenshots, directly within the pre-release app. This feature enables developers to get thorough and complete feedback with less hassle.
Real-Time Updates for Remote Config
Firebase has introduced real-time updates for Remote Config, making it faster than ever for developers to roll out, and if necessary, roll back features.
Firebase’s aim with all these updates is to simplify full-stack development and reduce complexity, thereby enhancing developer productivity. To get more insights into these announcements, be sure to check out the technical sessions at Google I/O 2023.