Github MCP vs Crossref

In-depth architectural comparison of the Github MCP and Crossref MCP servers. Compare execution transports, security boundaries, tool capabilities, quality scores, and ready-to-paste client installation snippets for Claude, Cursor, Windsurf, and VS Code.

Which MCP Server Should You Choose?

Choose Github MCP when:

• You need dedicated capabilities in the Developer Tools domain.
• You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
• Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).

Explore Github MCP Details

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Choose Crossref when:

• You need dedicated capabilities in the Developer Tools domain.
• You prefer remote streaming HTTP/SSE transport architecture.
• Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).

Explore Crossref Details

Feature & Specification Comparison

Specification	Github MCP Developer Tools	C Crossref Developer Tools
Summary	MCP server for the GitHub REST API: issues, PRs, repos; read always on, write env-gated.	Crossref MCP — wraps the Crossref REST API (academic papers, free, no auth)
Category & Scope	Developer Tools	Developer Tools
Quality signal

Tools & Capabilities Breakdown

Ready-to-Paste Client Configurations

Paste either (or both) of these JSON server blocks into your client config file (e.g. claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json).

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "github-mcp": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": [
        "jaimenbell-github-mcp"
      ]
    }
  }
}

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "crossref-2": {
      "url": "https://pipeworx.io"
    }
  }
}

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