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GitHub

GitHub is a web-based Git repository hosting service for version control and collaboration.

Authentication Types​

GitHub supports 4 authentication methods:

  • OAuth - Create your own GitHub OAuth app with custom scopes. Every user connects with their GitHub account.

    • Pros: Full control, per-user tracking, production-ready
    • Cons: ~2 min setup

  • Instant OAuth - Use Willow's pre-configured GitHub app for the fastest setup.

    • Pros: Fastest setup, no configuration needed
    • Cons: Limited scopes, not recommended for production

  • API Key - Use a personal access token for all users.

    • Pros: Easy setup
    • Cons: Less secure, no per-user tracking

  • Server App - Use a GitHub App with installation-level access.

    • Pros: Best for organization-wide access, fine-grained permissions
    • Cons: More complex setup

Setting up OAuth​

1. Create a GitHub OAuth App​

  1. Go to https://github.com/settings/developers
  1. Click New OAuth App

  1. Fill in the application details:

    • Application name: Give it a descriptive name (e.g., "Willow Integration")
    • Homepage URL: Your organization's website
    • Authorization callback URL:
      • For SaaS deployments: https://{org}.mcp-s.com/{org}/api/auth/callback
      • For On-Premise deployments: {connectUrl}/{org}/api/auth/callback
    tip

    You can find the Redirect URI in Willow when configuring the GitHub connector in the Setup tab → Authentication → OAuth section.

  1. Click Register application

  2. Copy the Client ID

  1. Click Generate a new client secret

  2. Copy the Client Secret immediately (it won't be shown again)

2. Configure in Willow​

  1. In Willow, go to MCP Servers → + Add MCP Server

  2. Find and select GitHub (look for the By Willow badge) and click Use

  3. Select the risk level of the tools to share and click Create

  4. Under Setup tab, Authentication, select OAuth

  5. Paste your Client ID in the Client ID field

  6. Paste your Client Secret in the Client Secret field

  7. Select the scopes you need

  8. Click Save Changes

3. Test the Connection​

  1. On the MCP Gateway, go to MCP Servers

  2. Find GitHub and click Connect

  3. In a pop-up window, you'll be redirected to GitHub to authorize the app

  4. Review the permissions and click Authorize

  5. You'll be redirected back to Willow with a successful connection

Generating an API Key (Personal Access Token)​

1. Create a Personal Access Token​

  1. Go to https://github.com/settings/tokens
  1. Click Generate new token → Generate new token (classic) or Fine-grained token

  1. Give your token a descriptive name

  2. Select the scopes (permissions) you need

  1. Click Generate token

  2. Copy the token immediately (it won't be shown again)

2. Configure in Willow​

  1. In Willow, go to MCP Servers → + Add MCP Server

  2. Find and select GitHub (look for the By Willow badge) and click Use

  3. Select the risk level of the tools to share and click Create

  4. Under Setup tab, Authentication, select API Key

  5. Paste your token in the API Key field

  6. Click Save Changes

Setting up a Server App (GitHub App)​

1. Create a GitHub App​

  1. Go to https://github.com/settings/apps

  1. Click New GitHub App

  2. Fill in the required details and permissions

  1. After creation, note the App ID and generate a Private Key

  2. Install the app on your organization/repositories

  3. Copy the Installation ID from the URL after installation

2. Configure in Willow​

  1. In Willow, go to MCP Servers → + Add MCP Server

  2. Find and select GitHub (look for the By Willow badge) and click Use

  3. Select the risk level of the tools to share and click Create

  4. Under Setup tab, Authentication, select Server App

  5. Enter the App ID, Private Key, and Installation ID

  6. Click Save Changes

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