Understanding the Query Structure

When querying Hacker News content through this MCP server, think in terms of natural language requests rather than technical API calls. The server translates your questions into the appropriate data retrieval operations automatically. For example, asking "What are the top stories on Hacker News right now?" or "Show me the comments on story 12345" will work seamlessly without requiring you to understand the underlying API structure.

Start with Broad Queries, Then Narrow Down

Begin your research sessions with general queries to get a sense of current activity. Request top stories or new submissions to see what's trending, then drill down into specific items that catch your interest. This approach helps you discover relevant content organically rather than searching for predetermined topics. Once you identify interesting stories, request their comment threads to access deeper discussions and expert insights.

Leverage User Profiles for Expert Insights

When you encounter particularly insightful comments or submissions, query the author's user profile to explore their contribution history. This strategy helps you identify subject matter experts in specific domains and discover additional valuable content they've shared. Users with high karma scores and long participation histories often provide authoritative perspectives on technical topics.

Use Specific Item IDs for Direct Access

Every story and comment on Hacker News has a unique numeric identifier. When you need to reference specific content or return to previous discussions, use these IDs for precise retrieval. This is particularly useful when monitoring ongoing discussions or conducting follow-up research on topics you've previously explored.

Consider Timing for Better Results

Hacker News activity follows patterns based on time zones and user behavior. New submissions appear constantly, but top stories typically represent content that has accumulated votes over several hours. For breaking news and fresh content, query new stories. For well-vetted, high-quality discussions, focus on top and best story feeds.

Combine Story and Comment Data

Don't limit yourself to just reading story headlines. The real value often lies in the comment threads, where community members share practical experience, identify issues, and provide context. Always explore comments on stories relevant to your interests—they frequently contain insights and resources not present in the linked articles themselves.

Be Specific About Your Intent

When formulating queries, clearly state what you're looking for. Instead of vague requests like "tell me about AI," try "show me Hacker News discussions about large language models from the past day" or "find comments by user X about database optimization." Specific queries yield more targeted and useful results.