Guides6 min read
MCP vs REST API for Lead Generation: Which Should You Use?
If you're connecting an application or agent to a lead database, you have two integration paths: the Model Context Protocol (MCP) or a traditional REST API. Both hit the same Leadloadz infrastructure and return the same verified data — the difference is how you connect and who's driving.
What is MCP?
The Model Context Protocol is an open standard from Anthropic for connecting AI agents to external tools. An agent connects to an MCP server, automatically discovers the available tools, and calls them using natural language. Think USB-C for AI.
What is a REST API?
A REST API exposes HTTP endpoints you call from code. With the Leadloadz REST API, you authenticate with a bearer token and POST your search criteria to an endpoint, then parse the JSON response yourself.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | MCP | REST API |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Config file | Code integration |
| Auth | Environment token | Bearer header |
| Interface | Natural language | HTTP requests |
| Best for | Claude/Cursor users | Custom applications |
| Tool discovery | Automatic | Manual (docs) |
When to Use MCP
- You work in Claude or Cursor.
- You want natural-language interaction.
- You want automatic tool discovery.
- You prefer config over code.