LangChain/LangGraph vs Hermes
LangChain, LangGraph, and Hermes are related, but they do not occupy the same role.
| Tool | Layer | Main output |
|---|---|---|
| LangChain | Agent app framework | AI application or agent logic |
| LangGraph | Stateful agent orchestration framework/runtime | Long-running graph-based agent service |
| Hermes | Agent harness/runtime CLI | Running/customizable agent with tools, memory, skills, subagents |
Simple distinction
mermaid
flowchart TB
A[Build an AI app or agent backend] --> B[LangChain / LangGraph]
B --> C[Agent service]
D[Run a coding/research agent harness] --> E[Hermes]
E --> F[Repo changes / tool execution]
G[Need disciplined delivery workflow] --> H[OpenSpec / Spec Kit / AI-DLC / Superpowers]LangGraph vs Hermes
| Question | LangGraph | Hermes |
|---|---|---|
| What is it? | Framework/runtime to build stateful agent apps | Open-source agent CLI/runtime |
| Who uses it? | Developers building agent backends | Developers/platform teams running/customizing agents |
| What do you write? | Graph state, nodes, edges, tools | Runtime configuration, tools, skills, workflow instructions |
| Output | Agent service/application | Running agent harness |
| Best for | Long-running stateful app workflows | Hackable coding/research agent execution |
Can they combine?
Yes. Common combinations:
| Combination | Meaning |
|---|---|
| LangGraph + OpenSpec | OpenSpec governs changes to a LangGraph app |
| LangGraph + AI-DLC | AI-DLC governs high-risk agent app delivery |
| Hermes + LangGraph | Hermes is coding/runtime harness; LangGraph is the app framework being built |
| LangChain + Superpowers | LangChain app implementation with TDD/review discipline |
What not to confuse
Do not use LangGraph as a replacement for delivery governance.
text
LangGraph orchestrates runtime behavior.
AI-DLC governs delivery decisions.
OpenSpec/Spec Kit manage specs.
Superpowers enforces coding discipline.
Hermes runs/customizes agent execution.Example stack
mermaid
flowchart TB
A[OpenSpec change proposal] --> B[Developer uses Hermes or Codex CLI]
B --> C[Implement LangGraph agent]
C --> D[LangGraph service]
D --> E[Tests and evals]
E --> F[Sync/archive OpenSpec change]