DuckDuckGo Search MCP Server
Provides tools to query DuckDuckGo's Instant Answer API for search results, summaries, and related topics.
Click on "Deploy Server".
Wait a few minutes for the server to deploy. Once ready, it will show a "Started" state.
In the chat, type
@followed by the MCP server name and your instructions, e.g., "@DuckDuckGo Search MCP Serversearch for recent climate change articles"
That's it! The server will respond to your query, and you can continue using it as needed.
Here is a step-by-step guide with screenshots.
MCP DuckDuckGo Search
A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server querying DuckDuckGo Instant Answer API.
Installation
Installing via Smithery
To install DuckDuckGo Search for Claude Desktop automatically via Smithery:
npx -y @smithery/cli install @shaheen2013/duckduckgo-search-mcp-server --client claudeManual Installation
# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/shaheen2013/duckduckgo-search-mcp-server.git
cd duckduckgo-search-mcp-server
# Install dependencies
npm install
# Build the project
npm run buildDocker
You can test this MCP server using Docker. To do this first run:
docker build -t duckduckgo-search-mcp-server .
docker run -p 8080:8080 duckduckgo-search-mcp-serverYou can then test the server running within Docker via the inspector e.g.
pnpm run inspector http://localhost:8080Related MCP server: DuckDuckGo Search MCP Server
Usage
Running the Server
You can use the MCP Inspector to test the server:
npm run inspectorAccess the MCP Inspector and then test the tool e.g.

Development
Project Structure
src/index.ts- Main server implementation
Available Scripts
npm run build- Build the TypeScript codenpm run watch- Watch for changes and rebuildnpm run inspector- Run the MCP Inspector against the server
Contributing
Contributions are welcome! Please feel free to submit a Pull Request.
Acknowledgments
Available Tools
1 toolduckduckgo_searchC
Search DuckDuckGo Instant Answer API for a query string
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| query | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, and the description does not disclose behavioral traits beyond the obvious. For example, it doesn't mention if the search is read-only, rate limits, or result format, which is necessary for an API call.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single efficient sentence with no filler. However, it is overly brief and could include more detail without harming conciseness.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple one-parameter tool with no output schema and siblings, the description is minimally adequate. However, it lacks information about response structure or any caveats, which would complete the context.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The single parameter 'query' has no description in the schema (0% coverage), and the description does not add any meaning, format instructions, or examples beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Clearly states it searches the DuckDuckGo Instant Answer API for a query string, specifying the verb and resource. However, 'Instant Answer API' is a specific term that might not be universally understood, slightly reducing clarity.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No guidance on when to use this tool, prerequisites, or alternatives. It simply states the function without context for decision-making.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Tool Schema Changelog
Recent tool additions, removals, and schema changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
1 tool update
v0.1.0- First observed
duckduckgo_search
TDQS
Scored across 1 tool
Only one tool exists, so there is no possibility of confusion between tools.
The single tool name follows a clear verb_noun pattern (search_duckduckgo), which is consistent and descriptive.
A single tool for a search server feels minimal but still functional for its stated purpose; it is at the lower end of acceptable scope.
The server only offers a single search operation (Instant Answer API), lacking common search features like web search, image search, or filtering, which are typical gaps.
Maintenance
Related MCP Connectors
DuckDuckGo: The DuckDuckGo Search API is a tool that allows developers and businesses to integrate.
LLM-ready web search + instant answers + URL-to-clean-text fetch for agents and RAG.
DuckDuckGo search as JSON. Ranked results, ads in their own array, 37 regions.
Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo and Google Maps search results, free without an API key.
Related MCP Servers
- FlicenseNot gradedqualityDmaintenanceEnables web search capabilities using DuckDuckGo's free API without requiring authentication or API keys.-
- AlicenseNot gradedqualityCmaintenanceEnables web search and content fetching via DuckDuckGo without requiring an API key.198 npm3MIT
- FlicenseBqualityDmaintenanceEnables querying the DuckDuckGo Instant Answer API through the Model Context Protocol, allowing users to perform searches and retrieve instant answers.19-
- AlicenseNot gradedqualityDmaintenanceEnables web searching using Google search results with no API keys required.36 npm1MIT