Migrating to Firebase Cloud Messaging: What effect

Question

In setting up FCM it says:

Create a Firebase project in the Firebase console, if you don't already have one. If you already have an existing Google project associated with your mobile app, click Import Google Project. Otherwise, click Create New Project.

I have an existing GAE cloud endpoints project which currently uses Google Cloud Messaging. I am considering using Firebase Cloud Messaging. I am a little nervous to import that project into the Firebase console because I am not sure what affect this will have on my existing project.

Will my Cloud Endpoints API be managed in the GAE console and my FCM in the Firebase console? I have to look at two consoles now? Like what exactly happens here? I just want to migrate to FCM in my Cloud Endpoints project, I have no intention of using the Firebase database in my app.

Any help or clarification or best-practice much appreciated!

Answer 1

AFAIK, no changes will happen in your console project. You're not exactly migrating the project, only importing it in the Firebase Console. The project should stay the same in your GAE console.

You'll have access to other Firebase features, but it's not mandatory (as you probably already know). The migration itself is usually applied to the Client apps (Android or iOS).

Plus from the Firebase FAQ:

FCM is the new version of GCM under the Firebase brand. It inherits GCM’s core infrastructure, with new SDKs to make Cloud Messaging development easier.

Benefits of upgrading to FCM SDK include:

• Simpler client development. You no longer have to write your own registration or subscription retry logic.
• An out-of-the-box notification solution. You can use Firebase Notifications, a serverless notifications solution with a web console that lets anyone send notifications to target specific audiences based on Firebase Analytics insights.

To upgrade from GCM SDKs to FCM SDKs, see the guides for migrating Android and iOS apps.