REST API
Ideal for programmatic integrations based on resources, routes and HTTP operations.
Birlo
MCP vs REST API in WordPress
WordPress architecture
MCP vs REST API in WordPress
REST API and MCP solve related problems, but they are not the same. REST exposes resources and endpoints; MCP organizes tools and context for AI clients.
What the REST API provides
The WordPress REST API lets applications query and modify resources through HTTP routes. It is a stable foundation for integrations and automation.
What MCP provides
MCP describes capabilities as tools that a compatible client can discover and use within a conversation or agent workflow.
MCP
Ideal for exposing specific actions to assistants and agents through a defined tool contract.
They are not mutually exclusive
An MCP implementation can use existing APIs internally. Birlo Bridge combines specific tools with permissions, scopes, approvals and auditing so the client does not need to know every WordPress endpoint.
When to use each approach
- Use REST API for direct technical integrations between systems.
- Use MCP when an assistant needs to discover and execute structured tools.
- Combine them when you want to reuse REST capabilities behind an AI tool layer.