How to setup an official GitHub MCP Server without Docker nor Installing

#go #mcp #github #ai

GitHub offers an official GitHub MCP Server that enhances AI assistants with GitHub capabilities:
https://github.com/github/github-mcp-server

While the official installation process recommends Docker, you don't actually need it.

If you're familiar with other MCPs, you know the npx or uvx approach that doesn't require Docker or installation.

You can use github-mcp-server in the same way.

Quick Setup (Example for Claude Desktop)

"github": {
  "command": "/Users/satoshi/.local/share/mise/shims/go",
  "args": [
    "run",
    "github.com/github/github-mcp-server/cmd/github-mcp-server@latest",
    "stdio",
    "--dynamic-toolsets"
  ],
  "env": {
    "GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN": "<YOUR PAT>",
    "HOME": "/Users/satoshi"
  }
}

Important notes:

In command, enter your full path to the Go executable (find it with which go)
go run compiles and runs Go programs without an explicit "Install" process (similar to npx or uvx)
The HOME environment variable is required specifically for Claude Desktop
You'll need a GitHub Personal Access Token with appropriate permissions