FAQ: Common Questions About MCP vs API ❓
Q1: Can MCP and API be used together?
Yes, in complex systems, models transferred via MCP are often accessed and managed using APIs. For example, a model deployed with MCP can be served through an API for client access.
Q2: Which protocol is more secure?
Security depends on implementation. MCP protocols can be secured with encryption and checksums during transfer, while APIs often use HTTPS and authentication methods.
Q3: Is MCP limited to certain frameworks?
While protocols like ONNX and PMML aim for broad compatibility, some MCP implementations are proprietary, which might limit flexibility.
Q4: How do I choose between MCP and API?
Base your decision on whether your priority is model integrity and portability (choose MCP) or flexible, real-time communication (choose API). Often, both are used together.
Q5: Are there hybrid solutions?
Yes, systems can serialize models with MCP standards and then expose them via APIs to clients or other services, combining the strengths of both structures.