Learning about push notifications
Push notifications are delivered using subscriber-based Platform Notification Systems (PNSes). PNSes are unique to mobile platforms. Platforms include Firebase for Android devices, Apple Push Notification services for iOS platform devices, and Windows Notification services for Windows-based devices. Vendors that develop multi-platform applications must integrate with each PNS for which they wish to offer push notifications.
The following diagram depicts a basic overview of how a push notification works:
Figure 6.1: Overview of a working push notification
In order to implement push notifications, developers must write both the client and server applications in a way that can communicate with the PNS. When activated, the notification-enabled application contacts the PNS and requests a special token called a handle. This token identifies the application and individual device asking for a subscription to a particular service. The handle...
