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3 Ways to Manage GitHub with Claude Code

How to manage GitHub with Claude Code?

3 MCP servers featured

GitHub is central to modern development workflows, and connecting Claude to your repositories unlocks powerful automation. MCP servers enable Claude to browse code, manage issues and PRs, analyze commits, and automate common GitHub tasks. Here are the best options for GitHub integration.

Recommended MCP Servers

GitHub MCP Server

github/github-mcp-server

>25k

Official GitHub server for AI integration with repository management, PRs, issues, and workflow automation.

Key Features

  • Official GitHub support with OAuth
  • Repository browsing and code search
  • Issue and PR management
  • GitHub Actions workflow monitoring

Installation

Remote server: https://api.githubcopilot.com/mcp/

The official GitHub MCP Server is the definitive choice for GitHub integration. It provides comprehensive access to repositories, issues, PRs, and Actions workflows. The remote server option means zero setup—just add the URL to your config and authenticate with OAuth.

Best for: Full GitHub workflow automation View on GitHub

GitMCP

idosal/git-mcp

>7k

Generic remote MCP server that transforms any GitHub repository into a documentation hub for AI tools.

Key Features

  • Works with any GitHub repository
  • Smart documentation search
  • Zero setup - cloud hosted
  • Reduces code hallucinations

Installation

Add gitmcp.io/{owner}/{repo} as MCP server URL

GitMCP is brilliant for quickly giving Claude access to any GitHub project's documentation. Just use gitmcp.io/{owner}/{repo} as your server URL—no installation needed. Perfect for working with libraries you're not familiar with and eliminating hallucinations.

Best for: Reading documentation and code View on GitHub

MCP Git Ingest

adhikasp/mcp-git-ingest

>200

MCP server that helps read GitHub repository structure and important files for analysis.

Key Features

  • Tree-like directory structure view
  • Read multiple files at once
  • Inspired by gitingest.com
  • Lightweight and focused

Installation

uvx --from git+https://github.com/adhikasp/mcp-git-ingest mcp-git-ingest

MCP Git Ingest is designed for quickly understanding repository structure. It provides a tree view of directories and can read multiple important files at once. Great for onboarding to new projects or analyzing how open source code is organized.

Best for: Understanding unfamiliar codebases View on GitHub

Quick Comparison

MCPStarsBest ForProsCons
GitHub MCP Server25k+Full GitHub automationOfficial, complete APIRequires OAuth setup
GitMCP7k+Reading any repoZero setup, cloud hostedRead-only access
MCP Git Ingest291Code structure analysisLightweight, focusedLimited features

Getting Started

To get started with GitHub management in Claude Code:

  1. For full GitHub automation, use the official GitHub MCP Server:

    {
      "mcpServers": {
        "github": {
          "type": "http",
          "url": "https://api.githubcopilot.com/mcp/"
        }
      }
    }
    
  2. For quick access to any repo, use GitMCP:

    gitmcp.io/{owner}/{repo}
    
  3. Authenticate via OAuth or personal access token.

Example prompt: "Create a new issue in my repo tracking the bug we discussed, then show me the open PRs that need review."

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