Adding Generative AI Features to Flutter Apps with Firebase Vertex AI

Introduction

• Focus on using generative AI in Flutter applications.
• Firebase Vertex AI provides tools for various AI applications such as user interactions, content creation, and data summarization.

Getting Started

1. Setup Firebase Project

   • Ensure you have a Firebase project configured with the correct APIs.
   • Connect it to your Flutter app.

2. Add Dependencies

   • Include the following packages in your project:
     • Firebase core
     • Firebase Vertex AI

3. Initialization

   • Initialize the Firebase app.
   • Initialize the generative model.
   • Specify the name of the Gemini model you wish to use.
   • Optionally, provide a generation config to adjust responses:
     • response MIME type
     • temperature

Understanding Parameters

• JSON Format
  • Makes responses easier to parse programmatically.
• Temperature
  • Affects randomness and creativity of responses.

Code Differences

• Unlike Google generative AI package, Firebase Vertex AI does not require an embedded API key.
• Firebase manages the API key for you.

Constructing Prompts

• Use prompts to direct Gemini on the desired output. Examples include:

  • "Write a story about a magic backpack."
  • "Tell me what’s in this image."

• Prompts can include various types of data:

  • Text, images, video, audio, PDFs.

• For large files, use Firebase Storage to store files and include the Cloud Storage URL in the request.

Generating Content

1. Call the generateContent method after constructing the prompt.
2. Response Handling:
   • The generateContent method waits for the full output before responding.
   • Alternatively, use generateContentStream to stream the output as it becomes available.

Security Measures

• To ensure API calls are secure and prevent abuse:
  • Enable Firebase App Check.

Conclusion

• This process allows developers to add generative AI capabilities to their Flutter applications efficiently.
• For additional information on Firebase Vertex AI and related packages, visit the pub.dev.