idea-reality-mcp — Claude Code MCP server: install & features
Scans repositories and package registries to verify software ideas before coding begins. Returns a 0–100 reality score, competitor lists, and pivot ideas.
claude mcp add idea-reality-mcp -e GITHUB_TOKEN=<GITHUB_TOKEN> -e PRODUCTHUNT_TOKEN=<PRODUCTHUNT_TOKEN> -- uvx idea-reality-mcpWhat idea-reality-mcp does
The server exposes the idea_check tool to your agent. It tests ideas before coding begins. The tool queries GitHub repositories, npm and PyPI registries, Hacker News threads, and Stack Overflow discussions. The agent receives a reality score from 0 to 100, market momentum metrics, and pivot advice.
Two evaluation modes are available: quick and deep. Quick mode queries GitHub and Hacker News in under 3 seconds. Deep mode pulls package registries and technical Q&A sites to assemble an evidence report. Local configuration runs via idea-reality setup, while idea-reality doctor checks system connectivity.
Setup scripts expect GITHUB_TOKEN and PRODUCTHUNT_TOKEN variables when adding the server. The repository entered maintenance mode in August 2026, meaning no new features will be added.
What it helps with
- check if a software concept already exists before writing code
- identify competitor repositories on GitHub, npm, and PyPI
- measure developer interest across Hacker News and Stack Overflow
- generate product pivot suggestions based on market saturation
Example prompts for the agent
- Run a deep check using
idea_checkfor an automated code review service. - Check market competition and show top rivals for an offline log search utility.
How to install idea-reality-mcp
Platform CLI
claude mcp add idea-reality-mcp -e GITHUB_TOKEN=<GITHUB_TOKEN> -e PRODUCTHUNT_TOKEN=<PRODUCTHUNT_TOKEN> -- uvx idea-reality-mcpReplace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from idea-reality-mcp <command>
Platform CLI
codex mcp add idea-reality-mcp --env GITHUB_TOKEN=<GITHUB_TOKEN> --env PRODUCTHUNT_TOKEN=<PRODUCTHUNT_TOKEN> -- uvx idea-reality-mcpReplace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from idea-reality-mcp <command>
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"idea-reality-mcp": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"idea-reality-mcp"
],
"env": {
"GITHUB_TOKEN": "<GITHUB_TOKEN>",
"PRODUCTHUNT_TOKEN": "<PRODUCTHUNT_TOKEN>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from idea-reality-mcp <command>
Config file
{
"servers": {
"idea-reality-mcp": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"idea-reality-mcp"
],
"env": {
"GITHUB_TOKEN": "<GITHUB_TOKEN>",
"PRODUCTHUNT_TOKEN": "<PRODUCTHUNT_TOKEN>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from idea-reality-mcp <command>
Platform CLI
gemini mcp add -e GITHUB_TOKEN=<GITHUB_TOKEN> -e PRODUCTHUNT_TOKEN=<PRODUCTHUNT_TOKEN> idea-reality-mcp uvx idea-reality-mcpReplace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from idea-reality-mcp <command>
Step by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about idea-reality-mcp
How to install idea-reality-mcp in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add idea-reality-mcp -e GITHUB_TOKEN=<GITHUB_TOKEN> -e PRODUCTHUNT_TOKEN=<PRODUCTHUNT_TOKEN> -- uvx idea-reality-mcp. Ensure you have uvx available on your system.
What does idea-reality-mcp do?
It provides the idea_check tool to query GitHub, npm, PyPI, Hacker News, and Stack Overflow for existing software ideas. It returns a 0–100 score with trend indicators and competitor data.
What is the difference between quick and deep modes?
Quick mode searches GitHub and Hacker News to deliver results in under 3 seconds. Deep mode also queries npm, PyPI, and Stack Overflow for a thorough scan.
