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Troubleshooting Connection Issues with the Hacker News API
Understanding Connection Problems
Connection issues with the Hacker News API server typically stem from configuration errors, network problems, or API availability. This guide will help you diagnose and resolve the most common issues when your MCP server fails to connect or retrieve data from Hacker News.
Verify Server Configuration
Start by confirming that your MCP server is properly configured in your Salesforce environment. Check that the Hacker News MCP server is listed in your MCP settings and that it's marked as enabled. If you recently installed the server, you may need to restart your Salesforce session or refresh your MCP connection for changes to take effect.
Ensure you're using the correct server endpoint configuration. The Hacker News MCP server should point to the official Hacker News API endpoints. Misconfigured URLs or outdated endpoint references will prevent successful connections.
Check Network Connectivity
Network restrictions are a common culprit for connection failures. Verify that your network allows outbound connections to Hacker News API endpoints. Corporate firewalls, VPNs, or security policies may block external API requests. If you're working in a corporate environment, consult with your IT department to ensure hacker-news.firebaseio.com is whitelisted.
Test your basic internet connectivity by accessing Hacker News directly through a web browser. If the website loads normally but your MCP server still can't connect, the issue likely lies in your server configuration rather than network availability.
Handle Rate Limiting and Timeouts
The Hacker News API is generally reliable, but occasional timeouts can occur during high-traffic periods. If you're experiencing intermittent connection issues, wait a few moments and retry your request. The server may be temporarily overloaded or undergoing maintenance.
While Hacker News doesn't enforce strict rate limits for most use cases, excessive requests in rapid succession could result in throttling. If you're making many consecutive requests, consider adding brief delays between queries.
Validate API Responses
Sometimes connection appears successful, but no data returns. This often indicates that you're requesting invalid item IDs or querying for content that doesn't exist. Verify that story IDs, comment IDs, or usernames you're requesting are correct and currently active on Hacker News.
Test with Simple Queries
When troubleshooting, start with basic requests like fetching top stories before attempting more complex operations. This helps isolate whether the problem is with the connection itself or with specific query types. If simple queries work but complex ones fail, review the syntax and parameters of your advanced requests.
Review Server Logs
Check your MCP server logs for detailed error messages. These logs often contain specific information about connection failures, timeout durations, or malformed requests that can guide your troubleshooting efforts.
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