Common Connection Problems

If you're unable to connect to the Hacker News MCP server, first verify that the server is running and properly configured in your MCP client settings. Check that the server process has started successfully by reviewing any startup logs or terminal output. Connection failures often stem from incorrect configuration paths or missing dependencies.

Ensure your MCP client configuration file includes the correct server path and any required environment variables. If you've recently updated the server or your MCP client, restart both components to ensure they're using the latest configuration. Network-level restrictions, such as firewalls or proxy settings, can also prevent the server from reaching the Hacker News API endpoints.

API Response Timeouts

The Hacker News MCP server relies on the official Hacker News API, which occasionally experiences high load or slower response times. If you're encountering timeout errors, the issue may be temporary. Wait a few moments and retry your request.

For queries that retrieve large amounts of data—such as deeply nested comment threads or extensive user histories—longer response times are expected. Consider breaking complex requests into smaller chunks. For example, instead of requesting an entire comment tree at once, retrieve comments in batches or focus on specific conversation branches.

If timeouts persist across multiple requests and different query types, verify your internet connection stability and check the Hacker News status by visiting the site directly in your browser.

Empty or Incomplete Results

Receiving empty results doesn't always indicate an error. Hacker News items can be deleted by users or removed by moderators, making them unavailable through the API. If you're querying a specific item ID that returns no data, the item may no longer exist.

Some users have private profiles or minimal public activity, which results in sparse data when querying user information. Additionally, very recent submissions may not yet appear in certain feeds due to caching or ranking delays on Hacker News itself.

Rate Limiting Considerations

While the official Hacker News API is generally permissive, making an excessive number of rapid requests may result in slower responses. If you're experiencing degraded performance, reduce the frequency of your queries. Implement reasonable delays between requests when performing bulk operations or monitoring activities.

Debugging Steps

When troubleshooting issues, start by testing simple queries like requesting top stories or a known item ID. This helps determine whether the problem is server-wide or specific to certain query types. Review any error messages carefully—they often contain specific details about what went wrong.

Check server logs for detailed error information, and ensure you're using the latest version of the Hacker News MCP server, as updates frequently include bug fixes and improved error handling.