# idea-reality-mcp

Scans repositories and package registries to verify software ideas before coding begins. Returns a 0–100 reality score, competitor lists, and pivot ideas.

- MCP server · `type=mcp` · Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Windsurf (Devin Desktop), Cline, Zed, Gemini CLI · ★ 828
- Author: mnemox-ai
- License: MIT · policy=link-only · description only; the file stays with the author
- Source: https://github.com/mnemox-ai/idea-reality-mcp
- Updated: 2026-09-18
- HTML: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/mcp/idea-reality-mcp

## What it 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.

## Requirements
- Needs: Python and uv (commands run via uvx)
- Environment variables: `GITHUB_TOKEN`, `PRODUCTHUNT_TOKEN` — keys and tokens: ask the human for the values, never commit them or put them in shared files.
- Works with: GitHub

## Install

### Claude Code (native platform)

**Platform CLI**
```bash
claude mcp add idea-reality-mcp -e GITHUB_TOKEN=<GITHUB_TOKEN> -e PRODUCTHUNT_TOKEN=<PRODUCTHUNT_TOKEN> -- uvx idea-reality-mcp
```
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>

### Codex

**Platform CLI**
```bash
codex mcp add idea-reality-mcp --env GITHUB_TOKEN=<GITHUB_TOKEN> --env PRODUCTHUNT_TOKEN=<PRODUCTHUNT_TOKEN> -- uvx idea-reality-mcp
```
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>

### Cursor

**Config file**
File `.cursor/mcp.json`:
```json
{
    "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>

### GitHub Copilot

**Config file**
File `.vscode/mcp.json`:
```json
{
    "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>

### Gemini CLI

**Platform CLI**
```bash
gemini mcp add -e GITHUB_TOKEN=<GITHUB_TOKEN> -e PRODUCTHUNT_TOKEN=<PRODUCTHUNT_TOKEN> idea-reality-mcp uvx idea-reality-mcp
```
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>

## When to use it
- 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
- Run a deep check using `idea_check` for an automated code review service.
- Check market competition and show top rivals for an offline log search utility.

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