GitHub MCP Integration - Vibe Coding: How to Build Anything Using Simple English Prompts

This is the 3rd part of the Vibe Coding tutorial series. If you missed the first two, you can check them out here:

• First Post - Vibe Coding: How to Build Anything Using Simple English Prompts
• Second Post - Cursor Rules Guide

This is a guide to connect GitHub with Cursor using MCP (Minimal Command Protocol). MCP allows you to interact with GitHub directly from Cursor. Once connected, you can use prompts like:

• Create a new repo with the current app you’re building
• Push your code to GitHub with a single command
• Search for repositories, pull requests, or issues
• Edit files or manage issues without needing to type Git commands

Just give Cursor a prompt, and MCP handles the rest, making your GitHub workflow effortless!

Step 1: Generate a GitHub Token

Visit this link: Generate Token

• Name your token
• Set the expiration date (I usually set it to "30 Days")
• Under Repository Access, choose “All repositories” or select specific ones as needed

Step 2: Set Basic Repository Permissions

Give read and write access to the following scopes:

• Actions
• Administration
• Commit statuses
• Contents
• Issues

Scroll down and click Generate token, then copy the token.

Step 3: Connect via Smithery

Go to: Smithery GitHub Server Setup

• Log in with GitHub
• Select the IDE you're using (Cursor, Windsurf, etc.)
• Paste your GitHub token under githubPersonalAccessToken
• Click Save and Connect

Note: Smithery is open-source, but be cautious when giving access to your personal account.

Step 4: Add GitHub MCP to Cursor

Once you've clicked Save and Connect on Smithery, you'll get two options: npm or JSON. I recommend choosing JSON.

1. Click on JSON, then copy the full configuration.
2. Open Cursor
3. Go to Settings → MCP Servers → Add New Global MCP Server
4. Paste the JSON you copied
5. Hit Save

Step 5: (Optional) Enable YOLO Mode

Cursor → Settings → Features:

• Enable YOLO Mode to let the agent run tools without asking for confirmation each time
• Enable Delete File Protection so files aren’t deleted without warning

With this setup, Cursor can:

• Create/Edit and upload repositories
• Search repositories, issues, and users
• Push code directly to GitHub
• Automate workflows

Coming up next:

A full guide on installing browser-tools, no more screenshots or back-and-forth debugging. With this, Cursor can directly interact with your browser.

You’ll be able to open Inspect Element (F12), click on any section of your site, and then just go to Cursor and ask: "How can I improve this?" or "What’s wrong here?"

It can read the DOM, check console errors, network logs, and even take screenshots.