What is the GitHub MCP Server?

GitHub MCP Server is a native MCP server that gives AI agents direct access to developer tools functionality. It runs via npm and has 28,000 GitHub stars.

How do I install the GitHub MCP Server?

Run npx -y @modelcontextprotocol/server-github in your terminal, or add the MCP config to your claude_desktop_config.json. You'll also need to provide an API key.

What runtime does GitHub MCP Server use?

It runs on npm. The install command is: npx -y @modelcontextprotocol/server-github

Is the GitHub MCP Server actively maintained?

The server has a quality score of 95/99 and is currently an official MCP server. Recent commits indicate active maintenance.

Developer ToolsnpmNeeds API KeyOfficialVerified by ownerActive

GitHub MCP Server

28,000 starsScore: 95

MCP server for the GitHub API — manage repos, PRs, issues, and more through natural language.

Quick Answer

1. GitHub MCP Server gives AI agents developer tools capabilities with 28,000 GitHub stars and a quality score of 95/99.
2. Install: Run npx -y @modelcontextprotocol/server-github or add the config to your MCP client.
3. Runtime: npm — requires an API key.
4. Health: Actively maintained — last checked 6/14/2026.

Overview

Category: Developer Tools

Runtime: npm

Install: npx -y @modelcontextprotocol/server-github

Auth: API key required

Source: official

Stars: 28,000

Setup time: ~2 min (API key needed)

What You Can Build

With the GitHub MCP Server MCP server, your AI assistant can:

Access developer tools functionality through natural language
Securely use your API credentials for authenticated operations
Combine with other MCP servers for cross-tool automation workflows
Run with npm for reliable, consistent deployments

Health Status

Active

Last commit: 6/13/2026

Checked: 6/14/2026

Page updated: June 13, 2026

One-Click Install

Copy the snippet for your MCP client and paste it in.

Claude Desktop

Add to claude_desktop_config.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "github-mcp-server": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@modelcontextprotocol/server-github"
      ],
      "env": {
        "API_KEY": "your-api-key-here"
      }
    }
  }
}

Deep link

Cursor

Settings → MCP Servers → Add

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "github-mcp-server": {
      "command": "npx -y @modelcontextprotocol/server-github"
    }
  }
}

Saves as .cursor/mcp.json in the download. Move it to your project root.

Deep link install →

VS Code

Use with MCP extension

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "github-mcp-server": {
      "command": "npx -y @modelcontextprotocol/server-github"
    }
  }
}

MCP Server Configuration

Add this to your claude_desktop_config.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "github-mcp-server": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y","@modelcontextprotocol/server-github"],
      "env": {
      "API_KEY": "your-api-key-here"
}
    }
  }
}