title: Why can't we add a Web API as a "service reference" in Visual Studio the same way we can with WCF or ASMX?
body: <p>I've decided to use Web API (as a middle tier) for an app I'm developing, but can't seem to figure out how to "tie it in" to the front end (front end being an ASP.NET MVC4 project).  Normally, I would just right click Services on the front end, choose "Add Service Reference", and put the URL for my service in.  But with Web API, I can't do that.  What are some options for creating a client proxy class off of my Web API to be used on my front end, and why doesn't a Web API support being added as a reference the same way a WCF or ASMX is added?</p>