Common Connection Problems

If you're unable to connect to the Hacker News MCP server, several factors could be preventing successful communication. This guide will help you identify and resolve the most common connection issues.

Verify Server Configuration

First, ensure the server is properly configured in your MCP settings file. The configuration should include the correct command to start the server and any required environment variables. Check that the path to the server executable is accurate and that all dependencies are installed. If you're using a package manager like npm or pip, confirm the Hacker News MCP server package is present in your environment.

Check Network Connectivity

The Hacker News MCP server requires internet access to communicate with Hacker News APIs. Verify your network connection is active and stable. If you're behind a corporate firewall or proxy, ensure outgoing HTTPS requests are permitted. The server needs to reach the Hacker News API endpoints (typically at hacker-news.firebaseio.com), so check that these domains aren't blocked by your network security policies.

Review Server Logs

Server logs provide valuable diagnostic information when connections fail. Look for error messages that indicate what went wrong during startup or when processing requests. Common issues revealed in logs include missing dependencies, permission errors, or API rate limiting. Enable verbose logging if available to get more detailed troubleshooting information.

Confirm API Availability

Occasionally, the Hacker News API itself may experience downtime or degraded performance. Visit the Hacker News website directly to verify it's accessible. If the site is loading slowly or unavailable, the API likely shares the same status. Wait a few minutes and retry your connection.

Test with Simple Queries

Once you've verified the basic configuration, test the connection with a simple request. Ask for the current top stories or request a specific item by ID. If simple queries work but complex ones fail, the issue may be with query formatting rather than the connection itself.

Restart the Server

If connection problems persist after checking configuration and network settings, restart the MCP server entirely. This clears any stuck processes or corrupted state that may prevent proper operation. After restarting, attempt to reconnect and verify the server responds to basic queries.

Check for Updates

Ensure you're running the latest version of the Hacker News MCP server. Updates often include bug fixes and improved error handling that resolve connection issues. Check the server's repository or package listing for available updates.

If problems continue after following these steps, consult the server's issue tracker or documentation for known issues and additional troubleshooting guidance.