GitHub MCP Server

What is the GitHub MCP Server?

The GitHub MCP Server is the reference Model Context Protocol (MCP) implementation connecting AI development tools like Claude Desktop, Claude Code, and Cursor directly to the GitHub REST and GraphQL APIs. It empowers AI agents to search repositories, inspect file contents, analyze git commits, and review pull requests without leaving the chat interface.

Available Tools & Capabilities

• get_file_contents: Read raw source code files from specific branches or commits.
• search_repositories & search_code: Find relevant open-source libraries or internal project code.
• create_or_update_file: Push commits and automated bugfixes directly to branches.
• list_issues & create_issue: Triage bug reports and automate project management workflows.
• list_pull_requests: Read PR descriptions, file diffs, and review comments.

Configuration & Installation

Add the following configuration to your claude_desktop_config.json:

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does the GitHub MCP server support private repositories?

Yes. Providing a personal access token with appropriate repo scopes grants full read/write access to private enterprise or personal repositories.

Can the GitHub MCP server make direct commits?

Yes, with appropriate token permissions, the agent can create branches, commit code updates, and open pull requests automatically.

Is the GitHub MCP server compatible with Cursor?

Yes, Cursor supports standard Model Context Protocol servers configured through its MCP settings tab.