title: Why does MongoLab not recommend using their REST API?
body: <p>From the <a href="http://docs.mongolab.com/connecting/#rest-api" rel="nofollow">MongoLab's documentation</a>, they recommend:</p>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p><em>MongoLab databases can be accessed by your application code in two ways.</em></p>
    
    <p><em>The first method - the one we strongly recommend - is to connect using one of the MongoDB drivers (as described above). You do not need
    to use our API if you use the driver.</em></p>
    
    <p><em>The second method, which you should use only if you cannot connect via one of the MongoDB drivers, is via MongoLab’s RESTful data API.</em></p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <p>Why do they recommend using the driver rather than their REST API? One reason I can think of is portability across different MongoDB providers. Are there any other reasons? Wouldn't it be more beneficial for MongoLab to "vendor lock-in" customers with their API?</p>