How to connect a GitLab MCP with Claude Code (4 steps)

Merge's integration platform offers developers a streamlined way to connect GitLab with Claude Code through its Merge Agent Handler, simplifying the process of managing personal access tokens and GitLab's project namespace model. By using a single CLI setup, developers can authenticate once and benefit from Merge's handling of OAuth credentials and token rotation, eliminating the need for local storage of sensitive information. The platform supports various operations like reading repository files, listing and filtering issues, managing merge requests, querying CI/CD pipelines, and searching code. With GitLab connected to Claude Code, developers can automate workflows and integrate GitLab data seamlessly into AI-assisted processes without maintaining dedicated API integrations. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also provides tool-level scoping and centralized logging for enhanced security and traceability, offering a viable alternative to self-hosted GitLab MCP servers or GitLab Duo subscriptions.