Cursor MCP Guide

🚀 Understanding MCP (Model Context Protocol) and Its Integration with GitHub

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a revolutionary standardized protocol that enables AI agents to communicate seamlessly with various tools and services. Imagine it as a universal translator:

• Without MCP: Each tool has its own language, making it difficult for AI agents to integrate with multiple tools.
• With MCP: All tools speak the same language, enabling easy integration and communication.

Real - world Example

Suppose you have ten expert advisors, each speaking a different language:

• Without MCP: You need ten different translators.
• With MCP: Everyone speaks a common language, making collaboration a breeze.

This standardization allows AI agents to:

• Connect to databases.
• Interact with GitHub.
• Access cloud services.
• Manage files and documents.
• And more!

✨ Features of GitHub MCP

The GitHub MCP integration provides powerful capabilities to interact with GitHub repositories:

Repository Management

• Create new repositories.
• Fork existing repositories.
• Clone repositories.
• Manage branches.
• Create and merge pull requests.

Code Operations

• Search for code.
• Create and edit files.
• Commit changes.
• Review pull requests.
• Add comments and reviews.

Issue Management

• Create and update issues.
• Add comments to issues.
• Search for issues.
• Apply labels and assignees.
• Track milestones.

Collaboration Features

• Manage project boards.
• Handle discussions.
• Review comments.
• Manage repository settings.
• Control access permissions.

📦 Installation Guide

Prerequisites: Node.js Setup

1. Visit the Node.js website.
2. Download the appropriate version:
   • For M1/M2 Mac: macOS ARM64.
   • For Intel Mac: macOS x64.
3. Run the installer and follow the prompts.

Installing GitHub MCP

Method 1: Using Smithery CLI (Recommended)

npx -y @smithery/cli@latest install @smithery-ai/github \
  --client cursor \
  --config '{"githubPersonalAccessToken":"your_token_here"}'

Method 2: Manual Configuration

1. Open ~/.cursor/mcp.json.
2. Add the following configuration:

{
  "mcp_servers": {
    "github": {
      "command": "npx @smithery/github-mcp --token your_github_token"
    }
  }
}

Finding MCP Servers on Smithery

1. Visit Smithery.
2. Browse available MCP servers:
   • Filter by category.
   • Sort by popularity.
   • Search by name or feature.
3. Select "GitHub MCP".
4. Follow the installation instructions.

Adding to Cursor

Method 1: Command - line Installation

# Using Smithery CLI
npx @smithery/cli install @smithery-ai/github

Method 2: Manual Configuration

1. Open Cursor settings:
   • Use ⌘ + Shift + P (macOS) or Ctrl + Shift + P (Windows).
   • Type "Cursor settings".
   • Select "MCP".
2. Add an MCP server:
   • Click "Add new global MCP server".
   • Configure using the provided JSON structure.

Method 3: Direct JSON Configuration

1. Go to ~/.cursor/mcp.json.
2. Manually add the server configuration:

{
  "mcp_servers": {
    "github": {
      "command": "npx @smithery/github-mcp --token your_github_token"
    }
  }
}

💻 Usage Examples

After installation, you can use GitHub MCP to:

1. Create and manage repositories.
2. Handle issues and pull requests.
3. Search for code.
4. Manage files and branches.
5. Collaborate with team members.