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GitHub

GitHub MCP Server

Official

Repositories, issues, pull requests, Actions, and code search.

GitHub MCP brings repository data and common GitHub actions into the agent conversation. With the appropriate permissions, an agent can investigate code, issues, pull requests, and workflow runs, then carry out selected repository operations without requiring copied context.

Activestdio / Streamable HTTPAuth: Required40 tools
Developer ToolsDevOps & InfrastructureCommunication
GitHubWebsite

Tools

Selected capabilities exposed to a connected AI client.

40 tools
get_file_contents

Read file contents from the permitted workspace or repository.

search_code

Search the connected source for relevant records or content.

list_issues

List available resources or the current state of a collection.

create_pull_request

Create a new resource through the connected service.

get_pull_request

A callable capability exposed by this MCP server.

list_workflow_runs

List available resources or the current state of a collection.

Bowora highlights 6 of 40 tools. The source repository contains the complete, current tool schema.

Setup and access

Check the connection method, access level, and compatible clients before enabling the server.

docker run -i --rm -e GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN ghcr.io/github/github-mcp-server
  1. 1Create a fine-grained token or OAuth connection with the smallest required scopes.
  2. 2Add the server to your MCP client and provide the credential through its secure configuration.
  3. 3Start in read-only mode, then enable write tools only when the workflow requires them.
Transport
stdio / Streamable HTTP
Connection
Local container or remote MCP
Authentication
GitHub OAuth or personal access token
Access
Scope-controlled repository, issue, pull request, and Actions access
Registry status
Active
Last updated
Jul 1, 2026

Compatible clients

ClaudeCodexCursorVS Code

Connects to github repositories, organizations, issues, pull requests, and actions. Use the least-privileged credentials and access scope that support your workflow.

The server can retrieve and, when granted, change GitHub content available to the connected credential. Keep organization and repository scopes narrow.

Availability: Requires a GitHub account; API and plan limits depend on your organization.

Good for

  • Search code and inspect repository files
  • Triage issues and review pull requests
  • Investigate GitHub Actions runs and development activity

FAQ

What does GitHub MCP Server MCP do?
GitHub MCP brings repository data and common GitHub actions into the agent conversation. With the appropriate permissions, an agent can investigate code, issues, pull requests, and workflow runs, then carry out selected repository operations without requiring copied context.
How do I connect GitHub MCP Server MCP?
Add it to your MCP client over stdio / Streamable HTTP using: docker run -i --rm -e GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN ghcr.io/github/github-mcp-server
Does GitHub MCP Server MCP require authentication?
GitHub OAuth or personal access token
Any security caveats for GitHub MCP Server?
Token scopes determine what the agent can read or change. Start read-only and grant repository or organization write access only for explicit workflows.
Where is the GitHub MCP Server source?
Tools highlighted here include get_file_contents, search_code, list_issues, create_pull_request (40 total). Source and updates: https://github.com/github/github-mcp-server
GitHub MCP Server: Setup, Auth & 40 Tools | Bowora