payload vs graphql

payload and graphql share 9 technologies: React, Postgres, SQLite, graphql-scalars, Redis, Vite, prompts, nodemailer, and pino. Both are written in TypeScript.

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What they share and what sets them apart

payloadcms

payload

Payload is the open-source, fullstack Next.js framework, giving you instant backend superpowers. Get a full TypeScript backend and admin panel instantly. Use Payload as a headless CMS or for building powerful applications.

TypeScript45.7kRead on November 6, 2026, at commit fac8196What is payload built with?

Only in payload

In common

Only in graphql

Side by side

SizeLines written by people and agents, without generated ones; code files, without tests.
payload1,066,210 lines written4,867 code files
graphql206,683 lines written1,161 code files
Who writes itA commit counts as AI's when it carries its signature: a Co-Authored-By line, its author name or the merge of its branch.
payload0.6% of its commits signed by AIWith GitHub Copilot, Claude Code, and Cursor
graphql0% of its commits signed by AI
ActivityFrom GitHub and its history, on the day SeeRepo read it.
payloadLast push November 6, 202614,788 commits45,682 stars
graphqlLast push November 4, 202611,042 commits17,590 stars
TestsThe files that test the code, and the share of code files a test imports.
payload2,460 test files12.6% of its code files have a test that imports them
graphql1,003 test files27% of its code files have a test that imports them

Frequently asked questions

Which is bigger, payload or graphql?
payload, with 1,066,210 lines written; graphql has 206,683.

The proof: payloadcms/payload's code at commit fac8196

Which has more GitHub stars, payload or graphql?
payload, with 45,682 stars; graphql has 17,590.

The proof: payloadcms/payload on GitHub

Which has more tests, payload or graphql?
payload, with 2,460 test files; graphql has 1,003.

The proof: payloadcms/payload's code at commit fac8196

Which was updated more recently, payload or graphql?
payload: its last push was on November 6, 2026, and graphql's on November 4, 2026.

The proof: payloadcms/payload's commits on GitHub

Which has more commits signed by AI, payload or graphql?
payload: an AI signed 0.6% of its commits, with GitHub Copilot, Claude Code, and Cursor.

The proof: the commits each tool signed in payloadcms/payload

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