Push Notifications Essentials: FCM u0026 APNs Quiz Quiz

Test your knowledge of push notification basics with this quiz on device tokens, payload structure, message delivery, and the fundamentals of FCM and APNs. Strengthen your understanding of how push notifications work across platforms and increase your skills in mobile notification delivery systems.

  1. Identifying Platforms

    Which platform primarily uses device tokens to identify devices for receiving push notifications?

    1. SMS
    2. IMAP
    3. APNs
    4. Bluetooth

    Explanation: APNs assigns a unique device token to each device to route push notifications. SMS uses phone numbers instead of tokens. IMAP is for email access, unrelated to push notifications. Bluetooth is a wireless communication protocol and does not use tokens for push notifications.

  2. Notification Content

    What is the main purpose of the payload in a push notification?

    1. To encrypt the device token
    2. To carry the notification's content
    3. To power the mobile device
    4. To store the user's location

    Explanation: The payload delivers the actual content of the notification, such as message text or data. It does not store location data, which may be sent separately. Encryption of device tokens is handled differently, and powering the device is unrelated to payloads.

  3. Token Lifecycle

    When does a device token typically change in mobile push notification systems?

    1. After charging the device
    2. Each time the app is opened
    3. When airplane mode is activated
    4. When the app is reinstalled

    Explanation: Device tokens are usually regenerated after an app reinstall, enhancing security. They typically do not change simply because the app is opened, when airplane mode is activated, or after charging, making those options less accurate.

  4. Role of the Server

    What is the responsibility of the application backend server in push notification flow?

    1. Charging the user's device
    2. Making phone calls to the user
    3. Updating the device operating system
    4. Sending notifications to the push service provider

    Explanation: The backend server prepares and sends notifications to the push service provider, which then delivers them to devices. It doesn't update the operating system, make phone calls, or charge devices, as those tasks fall outside its purpose.

  5. Delivery Guarantee

    Which statement best describes the delivery guarantee for push notifications?

    1. Delivery is always instant and guaranteed
    2. Delivery is based on user's age
    3. Delivery is best effort and may not be immediate
    4. Delivery occurs only when the device is charging

    Explanation: Push notification delivery is not absolutely guaranteed; factors such as connectivity and device settings may delay or prevent delivery. It is not always instant, is unrelated to charging status, and has nothing to do with the user's age.

  6. User Permissions

    What must usually happen before an app can send push notifications to a user's device?

    1. The device must be rebooted
    2. The user must grant notification permission
    3. The screen brightness is increased
    4. A friend request is accepted

    Explanation: Users generally need to allow notifications for privacy and control. Rebooting the device, accepting a friend request, or changing screen brightness are not related steps for enabling push notifications.

  7. Push Message Types

    Which type of push notification is mainly used to deliver content directly to the app without showing a visible alert to the user?

    1. Popup notification
    2. Sound notification
    3. Banner notification
    4. Silent notification

    Explanation: Silent notifications deliver data to the app for background processing without alerting the user. Banner, sound, and popup notifications are all meant to catch the user's attention visually or audibly.

  8. Payload Structure

    What format is commonly used for the payload content in push notifications?

    1. TXT file
    2. JSON
    3. HTML page
    4. JPEG

    Explanation: Push notification payloads are typically formatted in JSON, making them easy to parse and process. TXT and JPEG are not standard for payloads, and HTML pages are more suited for web content, not notification data.

  9. Device Registration

    What is the primary reason for registering a device with a push notification service?

    1. To obtain a unique identifier for message delivery
    2. To increase battery life
    3. To boost Wi-Fi speed
    4. To enable fingerprint security

    Explanation: Registration yields a unique device identifier necessary for routing notifications. Battery life, Wi-Fi speed, or fingerprint features are unrelated to the motivation for device registration in push systems.

  10. Cross-Platform Difference

    If an app is installed on both a phone and a tablet by the same user, which statement about push notification tokens is true?

    1. Each device receives a separate token
    2. Tokens are printed physically
    3. Tokens are shared between all users
    4. Tokens are identical for all devices

    Explanation: Each device receives its own unique token even for the same app and user. Tokens are not shared or identical between devices or users, and they are not printed physically, which is not relevant in this context.