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

Clone the repository:

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

Install dependencies:

npm install

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

Build the project:

npm run build

Start the server:

npm start

Using the Windows Batch File (Recommended)

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

Build the project first:

npm run build

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

Permission Errors
- Run Command Prompt or PowerShell as Administrator
- Check file permissions in the project directory
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
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