How to Use the GitHub MCP in Cursor: A Comprehensive Guide

Integrating GitHub with your Cursor AI environment via the Model Context Protocol (MCP) can revolutionize your coding workflow—automating common GitHub tasks, managing repositories, and streamlining version control. This guide covers everything you need to get started, from setting up the GitHub MCP server to testing it within Cursor.

Table of Contents

• What is GitHub MCP?
• Prerequisites
• Step 1: Setting Up Your GitHub MCP Server
• Step 2: Configuring Cursor to Use GitHub MCP
• Step 3: Testing and Using GitHub MCP in Cursor
• Tips and Best Practices
• Conclusion

What is GitHub MCP?

The GitHub MCP is a specialized implementation of the Model Context Protocol that standardizes how Cursor communicates with GitHub. Acting as a bridge, it allows your Cursor AI agent to perform GitHub operations—like creating repositories, committing changes, and managing pull requests—using natural language commands. Think of it as a “smart remote control” for your GitHub workflow directly from your coding editor.

“By integrating GitHub MCP in Cursor, developers can automate version control tasks, freeing up time for creative coding."

DevOps Advocate

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure that you have the following:

• Cursor AI IDE Installed: Download the latest version from Cursor AI's website.
• GitHub Account: Ensure you have an active GitHub account.
• GitHub Personal Access Token (PAT): Create one with the necessary repository permissions.
• Basic Knowledge of Terminal Commands and Python: Familiarity with Python will help you understand the MCP server code.

Step 1: Setting Up Your GitHub MCP Server

First, you need to set up the GitHub MCP server. This server will expose tools that allow Cursor to interact with GitHub.

1. Clone the GitHub MCP Repository:Open your terminal and run:bashCopyEditgit clone https://github.com/your-org/github-mcp.git cd github-mcp
2. Set Up a Virtual Environment:Create and activate a virtual environment:bashCopyEditpython -m venv venv # On Windows: venv\Scripts\activate # On macOS/Linux: source venv/bin/activate
3. Install Dependencies:Install the required packages:bashCopyEditpip install -r requirements.txt
4. Configure Your GitHub MCP Server:Open the configuration file (e.g., config.json) and insert your GitHub PAT:jsonCopyEdit{ "github": { "api_key": "YOUR_GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN", "default_repo": "your-default-repo" } }
5. Run the MCP Server:Launch the server with:bashCopyEditpython github_mcp_server.py Your server should now be running and ready to accept connections.

Image Placeholder: Screenshot of terminal running the GitHub MCP server.

Step 2: Configuring Cursor to Use GitHub MCP

Once your GitHub MCP server is up and running, integrate it into your Cursor AI IDE.

1. Open Cursor AI IDE and Navigate to Settings:Go to File → Preferences → Cursor Settings.Locate the MCP section.
2. Go to File → Preferences → Cursor Settings.
3. Locate the MCP section.
4. Add a New MCP Server:Click on “Add New MCP Server”.Fill in the details:Name: "GitHub MCP"Type: Select "command" for a local server.Command:Provide the command to start your server. For example:bashCopyEdit/path/to/venv/bin/python /path/to/github_mcp_server.py
5. Click on “Add New MCP Server”.
6. Fill in the details:Name: "GitHub MCP"Type: Select "command" for a local server.Command:Provide the command to start your server. For example:bashCopyEdit/path/to/venv/bin/python /path/to/github_mcp_server.py
7. Name: "GitHub MCP"
8. Type: Select "command" for a local server.
9. Command:Provide the command to start your server. For example:bashCopyEdit/path/to/venv/bin/python /path/to/github_mcp_server.py
10. Save the Configuration:Click “Add” and ensure that the MCP server appears in the list with a green status indicator.

Image Placeholder: Screenshot of the Cursor settings page showing the GitHub MCP configuration.

Step 3: Testing and Using GitHub MCP in Cursor

Now that you have configured GitHub MCP, it’s time to test it within Cursor.

1. Open the Cursor Composer:Navigate to the Composer or chat panel in Cursor.
2. Run a Sample Command:Type a command like:“Create a new GitHub repository called 'awesome-project'.”The Cursor AI agent should interpret your command and invoke the corresponding GitHub MCP tool (e.g., mcp_create_repo()) to create the repository.
3. Verify on GitHub:Log in to your GitHub account and confirm that the repository "awesome-project" was created.
4. Test Additional Commands:Try other commands such as:“Commit all changes with message 'Initial commit'.”“Show me the latest pull requests.”The GitHub MCP should handle these commands seamlessly.
5. “Commit all changes with message 'Initial commit'.”
6. “Show me the latest pull requests.”

Image Placeholder: Screenshot of Cursor Composer showing command output and GitHub repository listing.

Tips and Best Practices

• Keep Your Commands Clear:
  Use simple and direct language for best results.
• Monitor Logs:
  Enable logging on your MCP server to track operations and troubleshoot issues. (Refer to previous posts on logging integration if needed.)
• Secure Your PAT:
  Always store your GitHub Personal Access Token securely, and never share it publicly.
• Experiment and Expand:
  Once you’re comfortable with the basics, try integrating more advanced GitHub features like branch management and pull request reviews.

“Integration is not just about automation—it’s about creating a seamless workflow that makes your development process smarter and faster.”

Coding Efficiency Expert

Conclusion

Integrating the GitHub MCP in Cursor opens up new possibilities for automating version control and repository management directly from your coding environment. With this guide, you’re now equipped to set up, configure, and test your GitHub MCP server, making it a powerful addition to your development toolkit.

Embrace this integration and experience a smoother, more efficient workflow that lets you focus on writing great code!