How do I install the gh mcp server?

Use a recorded configuration for your client, replace example credential values and paths, and verify the documented runtime. Restart or reconnect the client, then inspect the available tools.

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Gh MCP Server

A Spring Boot-based Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that provides GitHub integration tools for AI assistants like Claude Desktop.

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What is the Gh MCP Server?

A Spring Boot-based Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that provides GitHub integration tools for AI assistants like Claude Desktop.

What it actually does

This server implements the Model Context Protocol to expose GitHub operations as tools that can be used by MCP clients. It leverages the GitHub CLI (gh) to perform various GitHub operations including repository management, issue tracking, pull request management, and more. This provides a lightweight alternative to the official GitHub MCP server that doesn't require Docker.

Configuration

Java 21 or higher - Uses modern Java features (virtual threads, records, pattern matching) - GitHub CLI (gh) - Must be installed and authenticated - Gradle - Wrapper included in project

More MCP options

Compare MCP servers by category, or browse hosted MCP servers if you prefer an endpoint over a local process.

Maintainer setup documentation.

How to install the Gh MCP Server

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "github": {
      "command": "java",
      "args": ["-jar", "/path/to/gh_mcp_server/build/libs/gh_mcp_server.jar"],
      "env": {}
    }
  }
}

Configuration as documented by the project. Restart the client after saving.

Configuration

Java 21 or higher - Uses modern Java features (virtual threads, records, pattern matching) - GitHub CLI (gh) - Must be installed and authenticated - Gradle - Wrapper included in project

Frequently asked questions

A Spring Boot-based Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that provides GitHub integration tools for AI assistants like Claude Desktop. Confirm the tools offered by your installed version in the connected client. Tool availability and permissions depend on the server and account configuration.