Perplexity MCP Server

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

MCP Review Certified: https://mcpreview.com/mcp-servers/spragginsdesigns/perplexity-mcp-server

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

1. Install dependencies:

npm install

1. Create environment file:
2. Create a new file named .env in the root directory
3. Add your Perplexity AI API key: env PERPLEXITY_API_KEY=your_api_key_here

Usage on Windows

Development Mode

npm run dev

Production Mode

1. Build the project:

npm run build

1. 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

1. 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
2. Run Command Prompt or PowerShell as Administrator

3. Check file permissions in the project directory

4. Environment Variables

5. Ensure .env file is in the root directory
6. No spaces around the = sign in .env file
7. Restart terminal after making changes to environment variables

8. Use the provided batch file to avoid environment variable issues

9. Node.js Issues

10. Verify Node.js installation: node --version
11. 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