Build apps from anywhere
The tools available for building apps from your chosen development environment.
Retool provides several options for builders who want to be able to create Retool apps from their chosen development environments: an MCP server, and a CLI package.
CLI vs. MCP
Both tools are intended to be used alongside your chosen development agent, such as Claude Code or Codex. If you install both the CLI and MCP, the agent can choose between them and use the best one for your chosen task.
In general, Retool recommends the following:
- Use the CLI for building and maintaining apps.
- Use the MCP for exploring resources and apps on your instance, managing groups and users, and importing React apps into Retool.
For a more detailed breakdown of each tool, refer to the following table.
| Characteristic | MCP | CLI |
|---|---|---|
| Engagement model | Agent-to-agent: Your local development agent passes your prompt to Retool's app building agent. | Agent-to-code: Your local development agent writes code directly. |
| Where code is written | In Retool's app building environment. | On your machine. |
| Who writes the code | Retool's app building agent. | You, or your local development agent. |
| Codebase context | Limited to what is exposed through MCP tools. | Complete context of your local codebase. |
| Best fit | Exploring resources and existing apps, sharing apps once published, managing organizations and users. | Writing or editing app code. |
| Credits consumed | Consumes credits from local development agent and Retool credits. | Consumes credits from local development agent. Does not consume Retool credits. |
| Supports importing apps? | Yes. | No. |
| Supports organization and user management? | Yes. | No. |