Understanding Connection Problems

If you're experiencing difficulties connecting to the Hacker News API through your MCP server, you're not alone. Connection issues can stem from various sources, but most are straightforward to diagnose and resolve. This guide will walk you through the most common problems and their solutions.

Verify Server Configuration

Start by confirming that your MCP server is properly configured and running. Check that the server process has started successfully by looking for any error messages in your console or logs. If the server failed to start, you'll see specific error messages that indicate what went wrong.

Ensure you're using the correct server connection details in your MCP client configuration. The Hacker News MCP server should be referenced properly in your configuration file, with the correct path to the server executable or package.

Check Network Connectivity

The Hacker News API requires an active internet connection. Test your general internet connectivity by opening a web browser and navigating to news.ycombinator.com. If the website loads normally, your basic internet connection is working.

Some corporate networks or firewalls may block API requests even when regular web browsing works. If you're on a corporate network, verify that your firewall settings allow outbound HTTPS connections to the Hacker News API endpoints.

API Rate Limiting

Hacker News implements rate limiting to prevent abuse of their API. If you're making many rapid requests, you might hit these limits temporarily. When this happens, wait a few minutes before trying again. Structure your queries to be more efficient by requesting only the data you need rather than making multiple rapid-fire requests.

Timeout Issues

Sometimes requests may time out if the Hacker News API is experiencing high load or if your internet connection is slow. If you encounter timeout errors, try your request again after a short wait. These issues are typically temporary and resolve themselves quickly.

Server Process Problems

If the MCP server itself has crashed or become unresponsive, restart the server process. Check your system's process manager to confirm the server is running. Look for any error logs that might indicate why the server stopped responding.

Test with Simple Queries

When troubleshooting, start with basic requests like fetching top stories. This helps isolate whether the problem affects all functionality or only specific features. If simple queries work but complex ones fail, the issue may be with how you're structuring your requests rather than the connection itself.

Still Having Issues?

If connection problems persist after trying these steps, check the official Hacker News API status and review the MCP server documentation for any known issues or updates that might affect connectivity.