If my application performs some function dependant on data from an API(e.x. showing tax information, letting a user input tax information, and performing tax calculations and autocomplete), how do I extend that UI easier with MCP than with an HTTP REST API.
Even with MCP I need to update my application code to add UI elements(inputs, outputs) for a user to interact with this new functionality, no?
No, MCP does not include any concept of UI (yet). Tool results are usually text only, although there is also the abstraction of an Image (which can be displayed as clients as decide to, e.g. inline).
So no application code needs to be changed because no application code exists.
Isn't that like saying you don't need to modify application code with an REST API if your "application" is just a list of instructions on how to use wget/bash to accomplish the task?
If my application performs some function dependant on data from an API(e.x. showing tax information, letting a user input tax information, and performing tax calculations and autocomplete), how do I extend that UI easier with MCP than with an HTTP REST API.
Even with MCP I need to update my application code to add UI elements(inputs, outputs) for a user to interact with this new functionality, no?