Rustapi is a high-performance, ergonomic web framework for Rust, developed by Tuntii. It is designed as an AI-first MCP server tool, offering native AI/LLM support. Built on Rust, it utilizes libraries like hyper and tokio, distributing as Rust crates. This free framework enables developers to build production-grade Model Context Protocol servers. It provides mechanisms for exposing user-defined API endpoints as callable tools, supporting various transport protocols for flexible integration.

What does Rustapi connect to?

Rustapi connects to Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers, which represent an open standard for how AI models interact with external tools, data, and services. Categorized as an AI-first Rust API framework, Rustapi functions as an MCP server tool. This design enables it to integrate directly into AI-driven ecosystems, facilitating communication and interaction between AI models and the applications built using the framework.

Core features and tools

Rustapi automatically exposes user-defined API endpoints as callable MCP tools. Developers define these tools by annotating routes with macros such as "#[rustapi_rs::get("/")]". Control over tool exposure is managed using tags like "#[api::tag("public")]" or "#[api::tag("agent")]". The "cargo rustapi mcp generate --spec any-openapi.json" CLI command converts any OpenAPI 3.x specification into agent tools. Rustapi does not include fixed pre-named tools; users create their own.

Who is it for?

Rustapi primarily targets Rust and backend developers, particularly those working with AI-generated code and constructing production-grade MCP servers. It is suitable for individuals who need to integrate AI model communication into their Rust applications. This framework supports developers seeking to transform existing APIs into AI agent toolkits or deploy applications to cloud hosting. Skip this if you are not a Rust developer building AI-enabled backend services.

How to get started

Authentication for MCP connections involves an HTTP admin token. JSON API endpoints require an "Authorization: Bearer <token>" header when an "admin_token" is configured.

Use cases

• Transforming an existing API defined by an OpenAPI specification into an AI agent toolkit using the CLI.
• Deploying Rustapi applications to managed hosting via CLI commands like "cargo rustapi login" and "cargo rustapi deploy cloud".
• Enabling AI agents to compose and execute specific, single-purpose tools (e.g., "count_lines", "find_largest_files") to achieve complex workflows.

Rustapi provides a specialized framework for Rust developers creating MCP servers with AI capabilities. It offers flexible tool definition, multiple transport protocols, and built-in security features like CSRF protection and session management. The platform supports key workflows, from OpenAPI spec conversion to cloud deployment.