Perplexity Research Assistant

🚀 Perplexity MCP Server

An intelligent research assistant powered by Perplexity's dedicated AI models. It features an automatic query complexity detection function, routing requests to the most suitable model for optimal results. Unlike the official server, it has the search capabilities to complete every task.

🚀 Quick Start

✨ Features

• Automatic Model Selection: Automatically analyzes query complexity and routes requests to the most appropriate model.
• Multiple Tools: Offers various tools for different types of queries, including search, reasoning, and deep research.

💻 Usage Examples

🛠️ Tools

⚠️ Important Note

Due to implementation differences, the Deep Research tool may time out when using certain tools (e.g., cline), but not with others (e.g., cursor). The reason tool can compensate for this issue.

🔍 Search (Sonar Pro)

Quickly search for simple queries and find basic information. Ideal for answering direct and concise questions.

const result = await use_mcp_tool({
  server_name: "perplexity",
  tool_name: "search",
  arguments: {
    query: "法国的首都是哪里？",
    force_model: false // Optional: Force using this model even if the query seems complex
  }
});

🤔 Reasoning (Sonar Reasoning Pro)

Handle complex, multi - step tasks that require detailed analysis. Suitable for explanations, comparisons, and problem - solving.

const result = await use_mcp_tool({
  server_name: "perplexity",
  tool_name: "reason",
  arguments: {
    query: "比较并对比REST和GraphQL API，解释它们的优缺点",
    force_model: false // Optional: Force using this model even if the query seems simple
  }
});

📚 Deep Research (Sonar Deep Research)

Conduct comprehensive research and generate detailed reports. Suitable for in - depth analysis of complex topics.

const result = await use_mcp_tool({
  server_name: "perplexity",
  tool_name: "deep_research",
  arguments: {
    query: "量子计算对密码学的影响",
    focus_areas: [
      "抗量子加密算法",
      "量子威胁的时间表",
      "实际缓解策略"
    ],
    force_model: false // Optional: Force using this model even if the query seems simple
  }
});

🧠 Intelligent Model Selection

The server automatically analyzes query complexity and routes requests to the most suitable model:

1. Simple Queries → Sonar Pro

   • Basic information lookup
   • Direct questions
   • Quick fact verification

2. Complex Queries → Sonar Reasoning Pro

   • How/why questions
   • Comparative analysis
   • Step - by - step explanations
   • Problem - solving tasks

3. Research Queries → Sonar Deep Research

   • In - depth analysis
   • Comprehensive research
   • Detailed investigations
   • Multi - faceted topics

You can override the automatically selected tool parameters by setting force_model: true.

📦 Installation

Prerequisites

• Node.js (Download from nodejs.org)
• Perplexity API key (Obtain from perplexity.ai/settings/api)
• Clone the code repository locally

Configure MCP Settings

Add the following to your MCP settings file (location varies by platform):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "perplexity": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": ["/path/to/perplexity-server/build/index.js"],
      "env": {
        "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
      },
      "disabled": false,
      "autoApprove": []
    }
  }
}

Or use NPX to avoid local installation (recommended on macOS):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "perplexity": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "perplexity-mcp"
      ],
      "env": {
        "PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "your_api_key"
      }
    }
  }
}