GitHub

You can run a local MCP server that lets AI assistants interact with GitHub via the GitHub CLI, so you can create, view, and manage pull requests, issues, workflows, and repositories directly from your conversations. This server exposes a straightforward interface you can connect to from MCP clients, enabling seamless automation and scripting of common GitHub tasks.

How to use

Connect an MCP client to the server to start using GitHub CLI commands inside your AI assistant. The server supports both local execution and remote HTTP connections. Use the local runtime for development and testing, or connect to a remote MCP client that speaks the MCP protocol to control GitHub from your assistant.

How to install

Prerequisites: Node.js v18 or newer and npm installed on your system.

# Prerequisites: Node.js v18+ and npm installed

# Install the MCP server globally
npm install -g gh-cli-mcp

# Start the MCP server locally
gh-cli-mcp

Additional notes

To connect from Claude Code CLI, use the MCP URL format shown in the usage example: gh-cli-mcp:github-cli:stdio:http://localhost:8888. For Claude Desktop, add MCP integration in your Settings under Tools & Integrations and follow the setup steps described there.

Configuration and usage notes

The server exposes two connection options you can use simultaneously: a local stdio endpoint for direct command execution and an HTTP endpoint for MCP clients that route requests over a network. When you connect a client, you can perform the following GitHub operations through the MCP-enabled interface: create, view, and manage pull requests; work with issues and repositories; run and monitor GitHub workflows; and perform other GitHub CLI actions through your AI assistant.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter connectivity issues, ensure Node.js is installed and that the server process is running. Verify that the local endpoint is accessible on the default port and that your MCP client is configured to target the correct URL when using HTTP connections.

Available tools

pull_request

Create, view, and manage pull requests from your MCP-enabled assistant.

issues

Work with issues and repositories, including creating and tracking issues.

workflows

Run and monitor GitHub workflows from your MCP-enabled assistant.

repos

Interact with repositories such as listing, viewing, and configuring settings.

mcp_integration

Simple stdio integration for MCP-compatible AI assistants to issue commands.