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docs: add GitHub MCP Continue cookbook guide (#8092)
* docs: add GitHub MCP Continue cookbook guide - Added new GitHub MCP cookbook guide to documentation - Updated docs.json to include new guide in navigation - Added reference to GitHub MCP cookbook in overview page - Guide demonstrates using GitHub MCP to work with issues and PRs Generated with [Continue](https://continue.dev) Co-Authored-By: Continue <[email protected]> * fix: update GitHub MCP package name and formatting - Corrected GitHub MCP package name from github_mcp to github-mcp - Fixed Continue Hub URL to use correct package naming - Updated CLI command to use correct package name - Improved formatting for conclusion checklist items Generated with [Continue](https://continue.dev) Co-Authored-By: Continue <[email protected]> * Fix GitHub MCP configuration and update Node.js requirement - Change command from uvx to npx - Update args to use proper package name @modelcontextprotocol/server-github - Add -y flag for automatic installation - Update Node.js requirement from 18+ to 22+ Generated with [Continue](https://continue.dev) Co-Authored-By: Continue <[email protected]> --------- Co-authored-by: Continue <[email protected]>
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‎docs/docs.json‎

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"pages": [
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"guides/posthog-github-continuous-ai",
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"guides/continue-docs-mcp-cookbook",
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"guides/github-mcp-continue-cookbook",
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"guides/sanity-mcp-continue-cookbook",
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"guides/sentry-mcp-error-monitoring",
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"guides/snyk-mcp-continue-cookbook",

‎docs/guides/github-mcp-continue-cookbook.mdx‎

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---
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title: "GitHub Issues and PRs with GitHub MCP and Continue"
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description: "Use Continue and the GitHub MCP to list, summarize, and act on open issues and recently merged pull requests with natural language prompts."
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sidebarTitle: "GitHub Issues with Continue"
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---
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<Card title="What You'll Build" icon="github">
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A GitHub workflow assistant that uses Continue with the GitHub MCP to:
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- List, filter, and summarize open issues
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- Review and summarize recently merged PRs
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- Post comments with AI-generated summaries or checklists
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- Automate routine GitHub maintenance with headless CLI runs
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</Card>
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## Prerequisites
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Before starting, ensure you have:
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- Continue account with **Hub access**
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- Read: [Understanding Agents — How to get started with Hub agents](/guides/understanding-agents#how-to-get-started-with-hub-agents)
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- Node.js 22+ installed locally
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- A GitHub account and a repository to work with
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- A GitHub token with the appropriate scopes:
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- For read-only: `repo:read`
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- To comment on issues/PRs: `public_repo` for public repos or `repo` for private repos
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For all options, first:
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<Steps>
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<Step title="Install Continue CLI">
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```bash
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npm i -g @continuedev/cli
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```
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</Step>
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<Step title="Configure GitHub Token">
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Add your `GITHUB_TOKEN` to your [Continue Hub agent's environment variables](https://hub.continue.dev/settings).
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</Step>
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</Steps>
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<Warning>
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To use agents in headless mode, you need a [Continue API key](https://hub.continue.dev/settings/api-keys).
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For write actions (e.g., posting comments), your token must include the relevant GitHub scopes.
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</Warning>
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## GitHub MCP Workflow Options
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<Card title="🚀 Fastest Path to Success" icon="rocket">
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Use the GitHub MCP from Continue Hub for one-click setup, or add it via CLI.
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</Card>
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After ensuring you meet the **Prerequisites** above, you have two paths to get started:
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<Tabs>
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<Tab title="⚡ Quick Start (Recommended)">
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<Steps>
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<Step title="Install GitHub MCP via Continue Hub">
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Visit the [Anthropic GitHub MCP](https://hub.continue.dev/anthropic/github-mcp) on Continue Hub and click **Install** to add it to your agent.
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The listing provides a pre-configured MCP block; add your `GITHUB_TOKEN` in Hub.
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</Step>
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<Step title="Launch the Agent">
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From your repo root:
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```bash
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cn --config continuedev/github-manager-ai
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```
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Now try: "List my open issues labeled bug and summarize priorities."
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</Step>
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</Steps>
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<Info>
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You can also attach an MCP to a one-off session: `cn --mcp anthropic/github-mcp`.
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</Info>
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</Tab>
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<Tab title="🛠️ Manual Setup">
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<Steps>
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<Step title="Create a New Agent on Continue Hub">
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Go to the [Continue Hub](https://hub.continue.dev) and [create a new agent](https://hub.continue.dev/new?type=agent).
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</Step>
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<Step title="Add GitHub MCP">
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Install from Hub (recommended) or add YAML manually. Minimal YAML example:
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```yaml title="config.yaml"
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mcpServers:
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- name: GitHub MCP
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command: npx
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args:
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- "-y"
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- "@modelcontextprotocol/server-github"
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env:
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GITHUB_TOKEN: ${env:GITHUB_TOKEN}
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connectionTimeout: 30
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```
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Notes:
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- The exact `command`/`args` may differ based on the MCP you choose on Hub. Hub templates prefill these for you.
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- Provide `GITHUB_TOKEN` via environment or Hub secrets.
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</Step>
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<Step title="Test the Connection">
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Launch Continue and ask:
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```
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List the 5 most recently updated open issues in this repository.
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```
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</Step>
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</Steps>
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</Tab>
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</Tabs>
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<Accordion title="Agent Requirements">
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To use GitHub MCP with Continue CLI, you need either:
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- **Continue CLI Pro Plan** with the models add-on, OR
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- **Your own API keys** added to Continue Hub secrets
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The agent will automatically detect and use your configuration along with the GitHub MCP for issue and PR operations.
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</Accordion>
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---
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## Issue Workflows
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Use natural language to explore, triage, and act on open issues. The agent calls GitHub MCP tools under the hood.
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<Info>
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**Where to run these workflows:**
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- **IDE Extensions**: Use Continue in VS Code, JetBrains, or other supported IDEs
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- **Terminal (TUI mode)**: Run `cn` to enter interactive mode, then type your prompts
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- **CLI (headless mode)**: Use `cn -p "your prompt" --auto` for automation
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</Info>
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### Triage and Summaries
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<Card title="Summarize Open Issues" icon="clipboard-list">
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Get a prioritized overview of current open issues.
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**TUI Mode Prompt:**
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```
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List the 20 most recently updated open issues in this repo.
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Cluster by label and severity. Summarize top priorities.
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```
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**Headless Mode Prompt:**
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```bash
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cn -p "List the 20 most recently updated open issues in this repo. Cluster by label and severity. Summarize top priorities." --auto
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```
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</Card>
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<Card title="Owner/Label Filters" icon="filter">
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Narrow by label or assignee.
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**TUI Mode Prompt:**
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```
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Show open issues labeled bug or security, assigned to @me.
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Summarize blockers and suggest next steps.
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```
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**Headless Mode Prompt:**
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```bash
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cn -p "Show open issues labeled bug or security, assigned to @me. Summarize blockers and suggest next steps." --auto
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```
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</Card>
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### Taking Action
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<Card title="Comment on an Issue" icon="comment">
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Post an AI-generated status update or checklist.
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**TUI Mode Prompt:**
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```
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Find the issue with the most engagement (comments, reactions) in the last 30 days.
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Come up with a triage plan and draft a comment with:
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- current hypothesis
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- next 2 steps
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- owner and ETA
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Then post the comment.
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```
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**Headless Mode Prompt:**
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```bash
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cn -p "Find the issue with the most engagement in the last 30 days. Come up with a triage plan and draft a comment (hypothesis, next 2 steps, owner, ETA) and post it." --auto
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```
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<Note>
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Requires a token with permission to comment (`public_repo` or `repo`). The agent will confirm before posting unless `--auto` is used.
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</Note>
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</Card>
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<Card title="Find Stale Issues" icon="clock">
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Identify issues that need attention.
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**TUI Mode Prompt:**
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```
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Find open issues with no activity in the last 30 days.
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Suggest action (close, needs-repro, or prioritize) and draft comments.
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```
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**Headless Mode Prompt:**
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```bash
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cn -p "Find open issues with no activity in the last 30 days. Suggest action and draft comments for each." --auto
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```
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</Card>
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---
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## Merged PR Workflows
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Analyze recently merged PRs for change awareness, release notes, and quality signals.
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### Recently Merged Overview
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<Card title="Merged PR Digest" icon="code-merge">
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Summarize merged PRs over a time window.
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**TUI Mode Prompt:**
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```
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List PRs merged in the last 7 days.
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Group by area (label or path). Summarize impact and notable changes.
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```
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**Headless Mode Prompt:**
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```bash
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cn -p "List PRs merged in the last 7 days. Group by area (label or path). Summarize impact and notable changes." --auto
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```
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</Card>
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### Release Notes
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<Card title="Generate Release Notes" icon="file-lines">
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Turn merged PRs into crisp release notes.
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**TUI Mode Prompt:**
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```
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Generate release notes for PRs merged since tag v1.2.0.
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Use keep-a-changelog sections and include PR numbers/authors.
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```
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**Headless Mode Prompt:**
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```bash
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cn -p "Generate release notes for PRs merged since tag v1.2.0. Use keep-a-changelog sections and include PR numbers/authors." --auto
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```
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</Card>
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### Deep Dives
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<Card title="Summarize a PR" icon="magnifying-glass">
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Get a human-readable summary of a recently merged PR with active discussion.
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**TUI Mode Prompt:**
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```
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Find the last merged PR with a significant amount of comments.
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Summarize the conversation, including goal, key changes,
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risk areas, and any follow-ups.
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```
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**Headless Mode Prompt:**
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```bash
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cn -p "Find the last merged PR with a significant amount of comments. Summarize the conversation including goal, key changes, risk areas, and follow-ups." --auto
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```
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</Card>
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---
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## Automate with GitHub Actions
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Run headless commands on a schedule or in PRs to keep teams informed.
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### Add GitHub Secrets
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Repository Settings → Secrets and variables → Actions:
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- `CONTINUE_API_KEY`: From [hub.continue.dev/settings/api-keys](https://hub.continue.dev/settings/api-keys)
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- `GITHUB_TOKEN`: A token with permissions to read issues/PRs and post comments
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### Example Workflow
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Create `.github/workflows/github-mcp-reports.yml`:
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```yaml
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name: GitHub MCP Reports
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on:
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schedule:
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- cron: "0 13 * * 1" # Mondays 13:00 UTC
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workflow_dispatch:
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pull_request:
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types: [opened, synchronize]
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jobs:
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report:
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runs-on: ubuntu-latest
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env:
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CONTINUE_API_KEY: ${{ secrets.CONTINUE_API_KEY }}
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GITHUB_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
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steps:
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- uses: actions/checkout@v4
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- uses: actions/setup-node@v4
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with:
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node-version: "18"
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- name: Install Continue CLI
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run: npm i -g @continuedev/cli
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- name: Weekly Issue Triage Summary
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if: github.event_name == 'schedule' || github.event_name == 'workflow_dispatch'
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run: |
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cn --config continuedev/github-manager-ai \
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-p "List open issues updated in the last 14 days. Group by label and priority. Propose top 5 actions and include issue links." \
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--auto > issue_summary.txt
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- name: Post PR Context Comment
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if: github.event_name == 'pull_request'
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env:
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PR_NUMBER: ${{ github.event.pull_request.number }}
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run: |
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REPORT=$(cn --config continuedev/github-manager-ai \
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-p "Summarize the context for PR #${PR_NUMBER}: related open issues, risk areas, and test suggestions. Keep under 200 words." \
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--auto)
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gh pr comment ${PR_NUMBER} --body "$REPORT"
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```
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<Info>
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Use `continuedev/github-manager-ai` consistently throughout your automation as the recommended agent configuration.
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</Info>
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---
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## Troubleshooting
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- **Missing or invalid token:** Ensure `GITHUB_TOKEN` is set and has the required scopes. Try a minimal test: “List 3 open issues in this repo”.
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- **Permissions errors on comment:** Your token must include `public_repo` (public) or `repo` (private) to write comments.
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- **Rate limiting:** Reduce frequency or filter queries; consider using a PAT distinct from the default Actions token when running in CI.
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- **MCP connection timeout:** If using custom YAML, increase `connectionTimeout` or verify the `command`/`args` from the Hub listing.
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## What You've Built
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After completing this guide, you have a complete **AI-powered GitHub workflow system** that:
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- ✅ Uses natural language — Simple prompts for complex GitHub operations
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- ✅ Automates issue triage — AI analyzes and summarizes open issues
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- ✅ Generates release notes — Automatic PR digests and changelogs
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- ✅ Runs continuously — Automated reports via GitHub Actions
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<Card title="Continuous AI" icon="rocket">
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Your GitHub workflow now operates at **[Level 2 Continuous
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AI](https://blog.continue.dev/what-is-continuous-ai-a-developers-guide/)** -
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AI handles routine issue triage and PR summaries with human oversight
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through review and approval.
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</Card>
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## Next Steps
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1. **Explore your issues** - Try the issue triage prompts on your repository
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2. **Generate release notes** - Use the merged PR prompts to create changelogs
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3. **Set up automation** - Add the GitHub Actions workflow to your repo
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4. **Customize prompts** - Tailor the prompts to your team's workflow
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5. **Monitor progress** - Track issue resolution metrics over time
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## Additional Resources
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<CardGroup cols={2}>
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<Card title="GitHub MCP (Anthropic)" icon="link" href="https://hub.continue.dev/anthropic/github-mcp">
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Anthropic GitHub MCP on Continue Hub
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</Card>
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<Card title="MCP in Continue" icon="book" href="/customize/deep-dives/mcp">
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How MCP works with Continue agents
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</Card>
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<Card title="GitHub Manager AI Agent" icon="robot" href="https://hub.continue.dev/continuedev/github-manager-ai">
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Pre-configured agent on Continue Hub
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</Card>
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<Card title="GitHub MCP Server" icon="link" href="https://github.com/github/github-mcp-server/blob/main/README.md">
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Official GitHub MCP server README
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</Card>
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</CardGroup>
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‎docs/guides/overview.mdx‎

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Step-by-step guides for integrating Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers with Continue:
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- [Continue Docs MCP Cookbook](/guides/continue-docs-mcp-cookbook) - Use the Continue Docs MCP to write cookbooks, guides, and documentation with AI-powered workflows
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- [GitHub MCP Cookbook](/guides/github-mcp-continue-cookbook) - Use GitHub MCP to list, filter, and summarize open issues and merged PRs, and post AI-generated comments
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- [PostHog Session Analysis Cookbook](/guides/posthog-github-continuous-ai) - Analyze user behavior data to optimize your codebase with automatic issue creation
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- [Netlify Performance Optimization Cookbook](/guides/netlify-mcp-continuous-deployment) - Optimize web performance with A/B testing and automated monitoring using Netlify MCP
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- [Chrome DevTools Performance Cookbook](/guides/chrome-devtools-mcp-performance) - Measure and optimize web performance with automated traces, Core Web Vitals monitoring, and performance budgets

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