Firebase Authentication Implementation Guide

Sep 5, 2024

Firebase Authentication Overview

Introduction to Firebase Authentication

  • A secure authentication system for applications.
  • Supports federated identity via providers like Facebook, Twitter, and Google.
  • Firebase UI simplifies user experience and addresses identity challenges.

Steps to Set Up Firebase Authentication

  1. Create a Firebase Project

    • Navigate to the Firebase console.
  2. Enable Authentication

    • Click "Get Started" in the Authentication section.
    • Set up the Sign-in method:
      • Enable Email/Password.
      • Enable Google.
  3. Domain Setup

    • If using your own domain, add the domain name in the Firebase console.
  4. Integrate Firebase into Web App

    • Go back to the overview screen.
    • Click "Add Firebase to your web app" to get the initialization code.

Building the Sign-in Pages

  • Create basic HTML pages for sign-in options.
  • Paste Firebase initialization code into the HTML pages.
  • Utilize GitHub for the sign-in widget code (Firebase UI is open source).

Configuration

  • Set redirect URLs for after sign-in.
  • Specify the authentication providers being used (Google and Email).

User Sign-in Flows

  • Sign-in with Google:

    • Possible scenarios include:
      • No Google accounts signed in: Allows email sign in option.
      • Multiple Google accounts: Presents an account chooser.
      • One Google account: Automatically signs in the user.
  • Email Sign-in:

    • Lists Google accounts based on email addresses currently signed in but allows for custom email sign-in.

Sign-up Process

  • Easy account creation via an "Add Account" button, where users enter their username and password.
  • Integration with Google Smart Lock to save credentials.
  • Firebase UI also prompts users with their previously used sign-in methods for convenience.

Conclusion

  • Firebase UI offers great user experience (UX) for sign-in/sign-up processes.
  • Minimal coding is required to implement these functionalities.
  • Encourages user engagement via comments and subscriptions.