What is push?
Push is a way for a server or service to send information directly to your device or app without you asking for it first. Think of it like a friend dropping a note on your desk instead of you having to go and check their mailbox.
Let's break it down
- Trigger: Something happens (a new message, an update, a sale).
- Server: The service that knows about the event creates a small data packet.
- Push Service: Platforms like Apple Push Notification Service (APNS) or Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) act as middlemen, delivering the packet to the right device.
- Device: Your phone, tablet, or computer receives the packet and shows a notification or updates the app automatically.
Why does it matter?
Push lets you stay informed instantly, improves user engagement, and reduces the need for apps to constantly check (or “poll”) for new data, which saves battery life and network bandwidth.
Where is it used?
- Mobile apps (chat apps, news, banking alerts)
- Web browsers (desktop notifications from sites)
- IoT devices (smart home alerts)
- Email services (new‑mail push)
- Collaboration tools (task updates, mentions)
Good things about it
- Real‑time delivery of important info
- Better user experience and higher retention
- Saves battery and data compared to constant polling
- Can work even when the app is closed or the screen is off
- Enables personalized, context‑aware messages
Not-so-good things
- Can become annoying if overused or poorly timed
- Requires internet connection and platform‑specific setup
- Privacy concerns: users may receive data they didn’t explicitly ask for
- Dependence on third‑party services (APNS, FCM) which can have outages
- May drain battery if too many push messages arrive in a short period.