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Perplexity Ask MCP Server

Source

A Model Context Protocol Server connector for Perplexity API, to enable web search without leaving the MCP ecosystem.

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Overview

Perplexity Ask MCP Server is a Model Context Protocol Server connector for the Perplexity API, enabling web search capabilities within the MCP ecosystem.

To use the server, clone the MCP repository, install dependencies, obtain a Sonar API key, configure the Claude desktop, build the Docker image, and test the integration.

  • Real-time web search integration with the Sonar API. - Easy configuration and setup for users. - Support for advanced search parameters.
  1. Conducting live web searches without leaving the MCP environment.
  2. Enhancing research capabilities for users of the Claude desktop.
  3. Integrating web search functionalities into applications using the Perplexity API.

Add to your AI client

Use these steps to connect Perplexity Ask MCP Server in Cursor, Claude, VS Code, and other MCP-compatible apps. The same JSON appears in the Use with menu above for one-click copy.

Cursor

Add this to your .cursor/mcp.json file in your project root, then restart Cursor.

.cursor/mcp.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "perplexity-ppl-ai": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@chatmcp/server-perplexity-ask"
      ],
      "env": {
        "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

Claude Desktop

Add this server entry to the mcpServers object in your Claude Desktop config, then restart the app.

~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json (macOS) or %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json (Windows)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "perplexity-ppl-ai": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@chatmcp/server-perplexity-ask"
      ],
      "env": {
        "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

Claude Code

Add this to your project's .mcp.json file. Claude Code will detect it automatically.

.mcp.json (project root)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "perplexity-ppl-ai": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@chatmcp/server-perplexity-ask"
      ],
      "env": {
        "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

VS Code (Copilot)

Add this to your .vscode/mcp.json file. Requires the GitHub Copilot extension with MCP support enabled.

.vscode/mcp.json

{
  "servers": {
    "perplexity-ppl-ai": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@chatmcp/server-perplexity-ask"
      ],
      "env": {
        "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

Windsurf

Add this to your Windsurf MCP config file, then restart Windsurf.

~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "perplexity-ppl-ai": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@chatmcp/server-perplexity-ask"
      ],
      "env": {
        "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

Cline

Open Cline settings, navigate to MCP Servers, and add this server configuration.

Cline MCP Settings (via UI)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "perplexity-ppl-ai": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@chatmcp/server-perplexity-ask"
      ],
      "env": {
        "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

FAQ

How do I get a Sonar API key?

Sign up for a Sonar API account and generate your API key from the developer dashboard.

Is there a troubleshooting guide available?

Yes, the Claude documentation provides a troubleshooting guide for common issues.

What license is the MCP server under?

The MCP server is licensed under the MIT License, allowing free use, modification, and distribution.

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