Octocode MCP
MCP server for semantic code research and context generation on real-time using LLM patterns | Search naturally across public & private repos based on your permissions | Transform any accessible codebase/s into AI-optimized knowledge on simple and co
What is Octocode MCP?
Octocode MCP is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that allows AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, and VS Code to mcp server for semantic code research and context generation on real-time using llm patterns | search naturally across public & private repos based on your permissions | transform any accessible codeb...
MCP server for semantic code research and context generation on real-time using LLM patterns | Search naturally across public & private repos based on your permissions | Transform any accessible codebase/s into AI-optimized knowledge on simple and co
This server falls under the Search & Data Extraction category on MCPgee, the world's largest MCP server directory with 33,000+ servers.
Features
- MCP server for semantic code research and context generation
Use Cases
Maintainer
Works with
Installation
Manual Installation
npx octocode-mcpConfiguration
Configuration Details
claude_desktop_config.json
Performance
Response Metrics
Resource Usage
How to Set Up and Use Octocode MCP
Octocode MCP is a semantic code research server that gives AI agents the ability to search and understand codebases across both GitHub and local repositories in real time. It exposes 14 tools spanning GitHub code search, repository browsing, PR lookup, local ripgrep-based search, LSP-powered go-to-definition and find-references, and npm/PyPI package discovery. Agents can navigate complex multi-repo codebases the way a senior engineer would — searching naturally, following definitions, tracing call hierarchies — without needing pre-indexed embeddings.
Prerequisites
- Node.js 18 or later and npx available on your PATH
- A GitHub account and a personal access token (or OAuth via 'octocode login') for GitHub-backed tools
- An MCP-compatible client such as Claude Desktop, Cursor, or VS Code with Continue
- Git installed locally if you intend to use the local search and LSP tools
Install the Octocode CLI and authenticate with GitHub
Install the CLI globally (or use npx) and run the interactive installer to set up GitHub authentication via the OAuth device flow.
npm install -g octocode-cli
octocode loginRun the interactive MCP installer
The 'octocode-cli install' command automatically detects your IDE and writes the correct MCP config entry. For Cursor, pass --ide cursor.
npx octocode-cli install
# or for Cursor specifically:
npx octocode-cli install --ide cursorAlternatively, manually add the MCP config entry
Edit claude_desktop_config.json to add the Octocode MCP server. The GITHUB_TOKEN environment variable can supply your token as an alternative to the login flow.
{
"mcpServers": {
"octocode": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["octocode-mcp@latest"],
"env": {
"GITHUB_TOKEN": "ghp_your_token_here"
}
}
}
}Restart your MCP client
Restart Claude Desktop or Cursor. The 14 Octocode tools (githubSearchCode, localSearchCode, lspGotoDefinition, etc.) should appear in the tools panel.
Verify status and connectivity
Run the status command to confirm GitHub authentication, MCP connectivity, and cache health.
octocode statusOctocode MCP Examples
Client configuration
Manual claude_desktop_config.json entry for Octocode MCP with a GitHub token.
{
"mcpServers": {
"octocode": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["octocode-mcp@latest"],
"env": {
"GITHUB_TOKEN": "ghp_your_token_here"
}
}
}
}Prompts to try
Use these prompts once Octocode is connected to your MCP client.
- "Search the React repository on GitHub for all usages of the useState hook."
- "Find the definition of the createSlice function in my local Redux project."
- "Show me the call hierarchy for the 'authenticate' function in this codebase."
- "Search npm for packages related to 'schema validation' and link me to their GitHub repos."
- "Find all TODO comments in the local codebase under the ./src directory."Troubleshooting Octocode MCP
GitHub search tools return 401 Unauthorized errors
Run 'octocode login' to refresh the OAuth token, or set the GITHUB_TOKEN env var in the MCP config to a valid personal access token with 'repo' and 'read:user' scopes.
localSearchCode returns no results even for known patterns
Ensure ripgrep (rg) is installed on your system: 'brew install ripgrep' on macOS or 'apt install ripgrep' on Ubuntu. The local search tools depend on ripgrep being available in PATH.
LSP tools (go-to-definition, find-references) fail to resolve symbols
LSP features require a language server for the relevant language to be installed and configured. Run 'octocode status' to see which LSP integrations are active and follow the on-screen guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Octocode MCP
What is Octocode MCP?
Octocode MCP is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that mcp server for semantic code research and context generation on real-time using llm patterns | search naturally across public & private repos based on your permissions | transform any accessible codebase/s into ai-optimized knowledge on simple and co It connects AI assistants to external tools and data sources through a standardized interface.
How do I install Octocode MCP?
Follow the installation instructions on the Octocode MCP GitHub repository. Clone the repo, install dependencies, and add the server config to your AI client.
Which AI clients work with Octocode MCP?
Octocode MCP works with all major MCP-compatible AI clients including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code (GitHub Copilot), Windsurf, and Cline.
Is Octocode MCP free to use?
Yes, Octocode MCP is open source and available under the MIT License license. You can use it freely in both personal and commercial projects.
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Quick Config Preview
Add this to your claude_desktop_config.json or .cursor/mcp.json
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