GitHub MCP for Claude Code: Setup Checklist.

GitHub MCP is powerful because it lets Claude Code work closer to the place your software actually changes. That makes setup discipline more important, not less.

The goal is simple: let Claude inspect issues, branches, pull requests, and code context without giving it a blank cheque over your business.

Before you connect it.

• ✓Decide which repositories Claude Code should see.
• ✓Use least-privilege access where possible.
• ✓Keep production secrets out of the repo.
• ✓Make branch protection and pull request review non-negotiable.

The first safe workflow.

Start with read-heavy work. Ask Claude Code to summarize an issue, inspect the likely files, propose a fix, and draft a pull request description. Do not start with autonomous merges or production deployment.

What to let it do next.

• ✓Create small branches for isolated fixes.
• ✓Open pull requests with a clear verification note.
• ✓Comment on PRs with review findings.
• ✓Update documentation from merged implementation details.

What not to automate yet.

Do not let a new GitHub MCP setup merge, deploy, rotate secrets, or rewrite shared infrastructure without human review. The mature version can automate more. The first version should make your review faster and better.