Understanding Connection Issues

When the Hacker News MCP server fails to connect, start by verifying that the server process is running. Check your MCP client's configuration to ensure the server is properly registered and the path to the server executable is correct. If you're using a custom installation location, confirm the absolute path is specified accurately in your configuration file.

Network connectivity can also affect server performance. The Hacker News MCP server relies on the Hacker News API, which requires an active internet connection. If you're behind a corporate firewall or proxy, ensure that outbound HTTPS connections are permitted. Test your general internet connectivity by visiting https://news.ycombinator.com directly in a browser.

If the server starts but queries fail, examine the error messages returned. Connection timeouts typically indicate network issues or temporary unavailability of the Hacker News API. In these cases, wait a moment and retry your request. The Hacker News platform occasionally experiences high load, particularly when major tech news breaks.

Handling API Rate Limits

The Hacker News API is generally permissive, but excessive requests in rapid succession may result in throttling. If you encounter rate limiting issues, implement pauses between consecutive requests. Rather than querying hundreds of items immediately, batch your requests with delays between each batch.

Best Practices for Rate Limit Management

Space out large-scale queries over time. If you need to retrieve multiple stories or comment threads, request them sequentially with brief intervals rather than simultaneously. This approach respects the API's capacity while ensuring your requests complete successfully.

Consider caching results when appropriate. If you're repeatedly accessing the same stories or user profiles within a short timeframe, store the data locally rather than re-querying. This reduces load on both the API and your server while improving response times.

When analyzing comment threads or user histories, request only what you need. Deep comment trees can require many API calls—if you're interested in top-level discussion, limit your depth rather than retrieving entire thread hierarchies.

Troubleshooting Specific Errors

If specific items fail to load, verify that the item ID is valid. Hacker News uses sequential numeric identifiers—if you're constructing IDs programmatically, ensure they reference actual content. Deleted or dead posts return limited information, which is expected behavior rather than an error.

For persistent issues, restart the MCP server process. Occasionally, connection pools or internal state may need refreshing. Check for server updates as well—newer versions may include fixes for connectivity issues or improved error handling.