Common Connection Problems

If you're having trouble connecting to the Hacker News MCP Server, most issues fall into a few common categories that are straightforward to resolve.

Server Configuration Issues

The most frequent connection problem stems from incorrect server configuration. Verify that the server is properly installed and that your MCP client settings point to the correct server location. Check that the server process is actually running—if it hasn't been started, your client won't be able to establish a connection. You can typically verify this by checking your system's process list or task manager.

Ensure that any required environment variables or configuration files are properly set. The server needs to know how to communicate with the Hacker News API, and missing configuration can prevent it from initializing correctly.

Network and Firewall Restrictions

Connection failures often occur when network policies or firewall rules block communication. The Hacker News MCP Server needs outbound access to reach the Hacker News API endpoints. If you're behind a corporate firewall or using restrictive network settings, check that outbound HTTPS connections are permitted.

Some environments require proxy configuration for external API access. If your network uses a proxy, ensure that the server is configured to route requests through it appropriately.

API Rate Limiting

Hacker News implements rate limiting to protect their infrastructure. If you're making a high volume of requests in a short period, you may encounter temporary connection failures or timeouts. These typically resolve after a brief waiting period. If you're building automated systems, implement reasonable delays between requests to avoid hitting rate limits.

Timeout Errors

Slow network connections or high server load can cause timeout errors. If you're experiencing frequent timeouts, try increasing the timeout threshold in your client configuration. Network latency, particularly over VPN connections or international routes, can require longer timeout windows.

Debugging Steps

When troubleshooting, start by checking server logs for specific error messages—they often pinpoint the exact issue. Test basic connectivity by verifying you can reach news.ycombinator.com from your environment. Restart both the MCP server and your client application to clear any stale connection states.

If problems persist, try accessing a simple endpoint like retrieving top stories to isolate whether the issue is with specific functionality or general connectivity. This methodical approach helps identify whether you're dealing with configuration, network, or API-specific problems.