GitHub MCP Server
@cyanheads
A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server built in TypeScript that integrates with GitHub's API, enabling AI assistants to manage repositories, issues, pull requests, and code while providing a structured interface for LLM agents to perform GitHub operations.
Overview
What is GitHub MCP Server?
An MCP server that provides tools for LLM agents to interact with the GitHub API, enabling management of repositories, issues, pull requests, branches, files, and releases. It acts as a bridge between AI models and GitHub through a standardized interface for MCP-compatible clients like Claude Desktop.
How to use GitHub MCP Server?
Install Node.js v16+, clone the repository, install dependencies with npm install, create a .env file with your GITHUB_TOKEN, build with npm run build, and start with node build/index.js. Add the server to your MCP client settings with the path to the build and token environment variable.
Key features of GitHub MCP Server
- Repository management (create, list, get)
- Branch management (create, delete, list)
- Issue management (create, list, filter)
- Pull request management (create, update, merge, list)
- File management (create, update with base64)
- Release management (create, draft, prerelease)
Use cases of GitHub MCP Server
- AI agents creating and managing GitHub repositories
- Automating issue triage and pull request reviews
- Managing branches and releases programmatically
- Enabling LLMs to read and modify repository files
FAQ from GitHub MCP Server
Is this repository actively maintained?
No. This repository is deprecated. Please use the official GitHub MCP server at github/github-mcp-server.
What are the prerequisites to run this server?
Node.js v16 or newer is required, along with a GitHub personal access token with appropriate permissions.
How do I authenticate with the GitHub API?
Set the GITHUB_TOKEN environment variable in your .env file or in your MCP client settings with your personal access token.
What runtime requirements are there besides Node.js?
No additional system dependencies beyond Node.js v16+. The server uses the GitHub REST API and requires internet access.
What transport or authentication protocol is used?
The server implements the Model Context Protocol (MCP). Authentication is handled via a GitHub personal access token provided through environment variables.
