GRAPHIC APPAREL SHOPFinding and managing Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers used to be a confusing process, much like navigating a disorganized supermarket. The new GitHub MCP Registry brings structure and simplicity, acting as the go-to platform for discovering, installing, and governing MCP servers. This change is set to redefine how developers build and scale AI-powered solutions.
How the MCP Registry Streamlines Discovery
Today, the registry boasts 44 MCP servers from leading organizations such as Microsoft, HashiCorp, Notion, Unity, and Stripe. Browsing is effortless you can search by tags, popularity, or GitHub stars to quickly locate tools for your AI stack. Whether you need web automation via Playwright or access to extensive GitHub APIs, the registry puts the right server at your fingertips.
Installing MCP Servers: One Click, Zero Hassle
Bringing an MCP server into your workflow takes just a few clicks in VS Code or VS Code Insiders:
- Select your preferred server from the registry.
- Click "Install in VS Code" to open a pre-configured settings window.
- Authenticate seamlessly with OAuth with no need for manual token handling.
Once installed, you can immediately integrate tools like Playwright, enhancing your agentic workflows with minimal setup.
Publishing Your Own MCP Server
Developers can easily contribute new servers using the MCP Publisher CLI. The publishing process includes:
- Installing the CLI through Homebrew or prebuilt binaries.
- Setting up a
server.jsonfile to define server details. - Verifying package ownership with metadata for npm, PyPI, NuGet, or Docker.
- Authenticating with GitHub or DNS, then publishing directly to the registry.
Automate publishing with GitHub Actions to ensure each tagged release updates your registry listing. Public hosting on GitHub and tagging your server.json file further boosts visibility and trust.
Checkout this article for detailed instructions on publishing and installing mcpservers from Github Registry..
Enterprise-Ready Management and Governance
For organizations, governance is critical. GitHub’s registry allow lists give admins the power to control server access:
- Set up a vetted allow list of internal or external servers through a dedicated registry endpoint.
- Configure GitHub Enterprise to reference this endpoint, ensuring only approved servers are available to teams.
- Run security scans and maintain regulatory compliance, vital for industries handling sensitive data.
This approach centralizes security while ensuring developers have the resources they need.
Tips and Best Practices for Power Users
- Assess Server Quality: Check GitHub stars and organizational verification for reliable servers.
- Test Locally: Use the MCP Inspector tool to validate servers before publishing and avoid clutter.
- Agent Integration: Tools like Copilot and Playwright are preloaded in VS Code, enabling advanced automations such as PR generation with screenshots.
- Semantic Lookup: Soon, VS Code will surface only the most relevant tools in large servers, reducing overload.
The Road Ahead for the MCP Registry
The registry continues to evolve, with major improvements on the horizon:
- Self-Publishing: Soon, anyone can contribute servers, fueling community-driven growth.
- Broader IDE Support: Additional development environments will be supported.
- Advanced Enterprise Features: Enhanced governance options for regulated industries are in the works.
- Agentic Workflows: Bundling tools into single-command flows for streamlined, complex operations.
The Future of AI Tooling Starts Here
The GitHub MCP Registry is becoming the single source of truth for MCP servers. Whether you're an individual developer or an enterprise admin, the registry simplifies every aspect of server discovery, installation, publishing, and governance. Orchestrate your AI stack confidently because the right tools are now just a click away.
Unlocking Seamless AI Tool Discovery: The GitHub MCP Registry Revolution