Check MCP server versions and run one test before relying on it
You will confirm which versions of the GitHub and Playwright MCP servers your client loads, update them, and run one small test call before an agent depends on them. This catches stale or regressed tools early.
- Check versionConfirm the server build your client loads
- UpdateMove both servers to their newest releases
- Restart clientReload the tool list from the new server
- Run one testReply in a test thread or load a simple page
- Verify resultCheck the output in the real UI
Why it matters
Replying to an existing review thread through github-mcp-server worked in older versions, regressed during a refactor, and is now closed as completed (source (opens external site)). An agent running an old build can post top-level comments instead of threaded replies. A Playwright MCP headless launch error was closed as not planned with no fix version named, so a newer release does not prove the problem is gone (source (opens external site)).
Steps
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Note the server version your client is actually loading. Check the package or binary your MCP config points to, not just what you installed last month.
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Update both servers to their newest releases. For Playwright MCP launched through npx, the config form is shown below. Use it as a starting point and confirm the result in step 5.
{"playwright":{"command":"npx","args":["@playwright/mcp@latest","--headless"]}}
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Restart your MCP client completely so it reloads the server and its tool list. A cached session can keep exposing old tools.
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Open the tool list in your client and confirm the tools you plan to use are present. For GitHub, look for a tool that replies to an existing review thread. If only tools that create new comments or reviews appear, the server is too old or the feature is missing.
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Run one harmless test call. On GitHub, use a throwaway pull request and post one reply in an existing thread. On Playwright, start the server in headless mode, navigate to a simple page, and confirm it loads.
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Check the result in the actual UI or output, not just the tool's success message. Confirm the reply landed inside the thread, or that the page loaded as expected.
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Record the versions and the date of the passing test in your project notes, so you know what was verified and when to retest after an upgrade.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the latest version is installed when the client is still running an older cached copy.
- Skipping the test call and trusting that a tool name in the list means it works as expected.
- Running the test against a real production pull request or live account instead of a throwaway one.
- Forgetting to retest after each upgrade, since behavior can change between releases.
Checklist
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