GitLab

What is the GitLab MCP Server?

The GitLab MCP Server acts as a bridge connecting AI assistants or other tools using the Model Context Protocol directly to the GitLab API. This allows users to perform various GitLab actions, such as managing projects and manipulating files, through their preferred MCP client or using natural language prompts.

How to Use

To use the GitLab MCP Server, you first need a GitLab Personal Access Token with the correct permissions (like api or repository access scopes). You then configure your MCP client, such as Claude Desktop, to run the server. This typically involves specifying how to launch the server (using methods like Docker or NPX) and securely providing your GitLab Personal Access Token, often via environment variables.

Key Features and Tools

• Automatically creates branches when needed for file operations.
• Preserves proper Git history during operations.
• Supports operating on single or multiple files at once (batch operations).
• Provides tools to:
  • Create, update, push, and retrieve files.
  • Search, create, and fork repositories.
  • Create issues and merge requests.
  • Create branches.

User Case Example

A developer could use an AI assistant integrated with the GitLab MCP Server to quickly create a new feature branch in their project and push an initial set of template files, streamlining their workflow without needing complex Git commands.

FAQ

What is essential to start using the GitLab MCP Server?

You need a GitLab Personal Access Token with appropriate permissions and an MCP client configured to use the server.

What kinds of GitLab tasks can it handle?

It can manage files, repositories (search, create, fork), issues, merge requests, and branches through its available tools.