github-mcp-server — Claude Code MCP server: features & setup
Connects AI assistants to GitHub with 112 workflow tools and a token-efficient compact mode. It automates pull requests, repository management, and Actions runs.
claude mcp add github-mcp-server -- uvx github-mcp-serverWhat github-mcp-server does
This integration connects coding assistants straight into GitHub. It exposes 112 actions covering branch creation, pull requests, issue tracking, and workflow triggers in Actions. Security tooling like Dependabot alerts is also built in.
Token consumption drops sharply with the built-in compact mode. It strips unnecessary API metadata, cutting payload volume by 80% to 97%. Commits, repository trees, and discussions reach the model without exhausting its context window.
Running this tool demands Python 3.10 or newer with uvx. Authentication works with standard personal access tokens or GitHub App setups, which raise the rate limit to 15,000 requests per hour.
What it helps with
- trigger and monitor GitHub Actions workflows directly from the prompt
- open pull requests and inspect code changes without switching tools
- fetch issues and repository data using minimal context tokens
- audit Dependabot alerts and secret scanning reports
Example prompts for the agent
- Show me the last three failed GitHub Actions runs in this repo
- Create a new pull request from staging to main describing our recent changes
- List open issues tagged with priority-high using compact format
How to install github-mcp-server
Platform CLI
claude mcp add github-mcp-server -- uvx github-mcp-serveruvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from github-mcp-server <command>
Platform CLI
codex mcp add github-mcp-server -- uvx github-mcp-serveruvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from github-mcp-server <command>
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"github-mcp-server": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"github-mcp-server"
]
}
}
}uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from github-mcp-server <command>
Config file
{
"servers": {
"github-mcp-server": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"github-mcp-server"
]
}
}
}uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from github-mcp-server <command>
Platform CLI
gemini mcp add github-mcp-server uvx github-mcp-serveruvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from github-mcp-server <command>
Step by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about github-mcp-server
How do I install github-mcp-server in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add github-mcp-server -- uvx github-mcp-server in your terminal.
What does github-mcp-server do?
It allows coding assistants to interact with repositories, pull requests, issues, and Actions workflows via GitHub API.
Why use the compact format instead of json?
Compact format eliminates redundant fields, reducing returned token volume by 80% to 97% to keep context free.
