Perplexity MCP Server

Perplexity MCP Server

This is a simple MCP server that allows you to search the web using Perplexity AI.

Installation

Prerequisites

• Node.js 18+ (Download from nodejs.org)
• Git (Download from git-scm.com)
• A Perplexity AI API key

Steps for Windows

1. Clone the repository:

git clone [repository-url]
cd perplexity-mcp-server

2. Install dependencies:

npm install

3. Create environment file:
   • Create a new file named .env in the root directory
   • Add your Perplexity AI API key:

   PERPLEXITY_API_KEY=your_api_key_here
   

Usage on Windows

Development Mode

npm run dev

Production Mode

1. Build the project:

npm run build

2. Start the server:

npm start

Using the Windows Batch File (Recommended)

To avoid environment variable issues on Windows, use the included batch file:

1. Build the project first:

npm run build

2. Run the batch file:

.\run-perplexity-server.bat

Alternatively, double-click the run-perplexity-server.bat file in Windows Explorer.

For detailed instructions, see the Windows Setup Guide.

Troubleshooting Windows Issues

Common Issues

1. Permission Errors

   • Run Command Prompt or PowerShell as Administrator
   • Check file permissions in the project directory

2. Environment Variables

   • Ensure .env file is in the root directory
   • No spaces around the = sign in .env file
   • Restart terminal after making changes to environment variables
   • Use the provided batch file to avoid environment variable issues

3. Node.js Issues

   • Verify Node.js installation: node --version
   • Ensure npm is installed: npm --version

Error Messages

If you see Error: ENOENT: no such file or directory, ensure:

• All paths use correct Windows-style separators
• You're in the correct directory
• Required files exist

Project Structure

perplexity-mcp-server/
├── src/
│   └── index.ts          # Main server implementation
├── dist/                 # Compiled output
├── .env                  # Environment variables
├── package.json          # Project configuration
├── run-perplexity-server.bat # Windows batch file
└── tsconfig.json         # TypeScript configuration

API Usage

The server provides a single tool perplexity_search for web searches:

{
  "name": "perplexity_search",
  "arguments": {
    "query": "your search query here"
  }
}

License

MIT