This project provides a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that integrates Perplexity's Sonar API, enabling AI models like Claude to perform real-time web searches. It's designed for users of MCP-compatible applications, such as Claude Desktop or Cursor, who need to augment their AI's capabilities with live web data.

How It Works

The server acts as a bridge, translating user queries into requests for the Perplexity Sonar API. It accepts a structured message history and forwards it to the API, returning the search results to the calling application. This approach allows LLMs to access up-to-date information directly within their conversational context, enhancing accuracy and relevance.

Quick Start & Requirements

• Install: Clone the repository, cd modelcontextprotocol/perplexity-ask, and run npm install.
• Prerequisites: Node.js, npm, Docker, a Perplexity Sonar API key.
• Setup: Configure claude_desktop_config.json with the provided JSON snippet, setting PERPLEXITY_API_KEY. Build the Docker image using docker build -t mcp/perplexity-ask:latest -f Dockerfile ..
• Docs: Official DeepWiki page for implementation assistance.

Highlighted Details

• Enables real-time web search for AI models within the MCP ecosystem.
• Supports integration with Claude Desktop and Cursor.
• Allows modification of Sonar API search parameters directly in index.ts.

Maintenance & Community

• Contact: api@perplexity.ai for support or bug filing.

Licensing & Compatibility

• License: MIT License. Permissive for commercial use and closed-source linking.

Limitations & Caveats

The project relies on an external Perplexity Sonar API key, which may incur costs or have usage limits. Configuration requires modifying application-specific JSON files.