Understanding Connection Problems

When your Hacker News MCP server isn't connecting properly to Slack, the issue typically stems from configuration errors, network problems, or incorrect server setup. This guide will walk you through the most common issues and their solutions.

Verify Server Configuration

First, confirm that the MCP server is properly installed and configured in your Slack environment. Check that all required dependencies are installed and that the server process is actually running. You can verify this by checking your system's process list or service manager.

Ensure that your configuration file contains the correct settings for the Hacker News MCP server. The server needs to be registered with your MCP client, and any API endpoints or connection parameters must be accurate.

Check Network Connectivity

The Hacker News MCP server requires outbound internet access to communicate with the Hacker News API. If you're behind a corporate firewall or proxy, you may need to configure network settings to allow this traffic.

Test basic connectivity by attempting to access the Hacker News website directly from the same machine running the MCP server. If you can't reach Hacker News through a browser, your server won't be able to connect either.

Review Permission Settings

Slack integrations require proper permissions to function. Verify that your Slack workspace has authorized the MCP server and that it has the necessary scopes to operate. Check your Slack app configuration to ensure all required permissions are granted.

Additionally, confirm that the user account running the server has sufficient system permissions to make network requests and access any required configuration files.

Examine Server Logs

Server logs are your best diagnostic tool. Look for error messages that indicate connection failures, authentication problems, or API rate limiting. The logs will often point directly to the issue, whether it's a malformed request, a timeout, or a missing dependency.

Common error messages include connection timeouts, DNS resolution failures, or HTTP error codes indicating problems with the Hacker News API itself.

Test with Simple Queries

Once you've addressed configuration and network issues, test the connection with a simple query like requesting the current top stories. This helps isolate whether the problem is with basic connectivity or with specific features.

If simple queries work but complex ones fail, the issue may be related to rate limiting or timeout settings rather than fundamental connectivity problems.

Rate Limiting Considerations

The Hacker News API has rate limits that, when exceeded, can make it appear as though you have connection issues. If requests suddenly start failing after working properly, you may have hit these limits. Implement appropriate delays between requests or reduce query frequency.