GitHub MCP Server

GitHub MCP Server: Connect AI Models to GitHub Repositories

Overview

GitHub MCP Server is a powerful implementation of the Model Context Protocol (MCP) that enables seamless integration between AI models and GitHub repositories. Developed by the Model Context Protocol team, this server provides a standardized interface for interacting with GitHub's extensive API capabilities. Whether you're developing AI tools or enhancing your development workflow, this server bridges the gap between artificial intelligence and your code repositories.

Links:

• GitHub Repository: github.com/modelcontextprotocol/servers/tree/main/src/github

Features

• Smart Branch Management: Automatically creates branches when needed for file operations, eliminating manual branch creation steps
• Intelligent Error Handling: Provides clear, actionable error messages that help troubleshoot common GitHub integration issues
• Git History Preservation: Maintains complete commit history during operations without disruptive force pushes
• Multi-File Operations: Supports both individual file changes and batch operations for efficient repository management
• Comprehensive Search Capabilities: Access powerful search functionality across code, issues, pull requests, and GitHub users
• Complete Repository Management: Create, fork, and manage repositories directly through the API
• Full Issue & PR Workflow: Create, update, and manage issues and pull requests with detailed control options
• Code Review Integration: Submit and manage pull request reviews directly through the API

Use Cases

• AI-Powered Code Management: Allow AI assistants like Claude to read, write, and modify repository files based on your instructions
• Automated Documentation: Generate and update documentation files across multiple repositories with simple natural language commands
• Code Search and Analysis: Search across repositories for specific code patterns and receive AI-analyzed results
• Pull Request Automation: Create, review, and manage pull requests through conversational AI interfaces
• Issue Management: Allow AI to create, categorize, and update issues based on code analysis or user requirements
• Repository Organization: Clean up and reorganize repository structures with AI assistance
• Multi-File Updates: Make coordinated changes across multiple files and repositories in a single operation

Tools

The GitHub MCP Server provides over 20 powerful tools, including:

• Repository creation and management functions
• File creation, reading, and updating capabilities
• Branch and commit management
• Issue and pull request workflows
• Advanced search functionality with custom filters
• Code review tools and commit history analysis

Each tool comes with comprehensive parameter options for fine-tuned control over GitHub operations.

Setup Guide

Prerequisites

• GitHub account
• Personal access token with appropriate permissions
• Claude Desktop or another MCP-compatible client

Installation and Configuration

For Claude Desktop:

1. Create a GitHub Personal Access Token:

   • Navigate to GitHub Settings → Developer settings → Personal access tokens
   • Generate a new token with repo scope (for private repositories) or public_repo (for public only)
   • Copy the generated token

2. Option 1: Setup with NPX:

   • Edit your Claude Desktop configuration file:
     • Windows: %APPDATA%/Claude/config.json
     • macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
   • Add the following configuration:

   "mcpServers": {
     "github": {
       "command": "npx",
       "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-github"],
       "env": {
         "GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN": "your_token_here"
       }
     }
   }

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3. Option 2: Setup with Docker:

   • Edit your Claude Desktop configuration file
   • Add the following configuration:

   "mcpServers": {
     "github": {
       "command": "docker",
       "args": ["run", "-i", "--rm", "-e", "GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN", "mcp/github"],
       "env": {
         "GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN": "your_token_here"
       }
     }
   }

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For Cursor and Other Clients:

• Follow similar configuration steps, adapting to your specific client's configuration file format and location
• Ensure your GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN is properly set in the configuration

License

The GitHub MCP Server is available under the MIT License, allowing for free use, modification, and distribution of the software, subject to maintaining copyright and license notices.

Get started with GitHub MCP Server today and transform how your AI tools interact with your GitHub repositories!