Directus

Directus is an open source headless CMS and data management platform that provides an instant REST and GraphQL API over any SQL database. Unlike traditional content management systems that impose a predefined data model, Directus connects directly to your existing database schema and wraps it with a powerful API layer and a no-code data studio, giving teams complete control over their data structure.

The data model in Directus is entirely defined by the underlying database. Developers can create their schema using any SQL database client or migration tool, and Directus will automatically introspect the tables, columns, and relationships to generate a fully functional API and admin interface. Alternatively, teams can use the Directus data studio to design and evolve their schema visually without writing SQL. This flexibility makes Directus suitable for new projects and for adding a management layer to existing databases.

Directus provides both a REST API and a GraphQL API that are generated automatically based on the data model. These APIs support complex filtering, sorting, aggregation, field selection, and relation traversal. All API access is governed by a robust permissions system that allows fine-grained control over what each user or role can read, write, update, or delete, down to individual fields and items.

The Directus App is a sophisticated no-code data studio built in Vue.js. It provides table, kanban, calendar, gallery, map, and chart views for browsing and editing data. The interface is highly customizable through the use of display components, interface components, and custom panels that can be installed as extensions. This makes Directus suitable for a wide range of use cases from simple content management to complex data operations.

Authentication in Directus supports local email and password login, SSO via OpenID Connect, LDAP, and OAuth2 providers. The granular role-based access control system allows administrators to define exactly what each user role can do, with support for public access policies for data that should be available without authentication.

Directus Flows is a built-in workflow automation feature that allows non-technical users to create event-driven automations using a visual trigger-action builder. Flows can respond to data events, schedules, webhooks, or manual triggers, and can perform actions such as sending notifications, calling external APIs, updating records, and running custom code.

Real-time functionality is available through WebSocket subscriptions that notify clients when data changes, enabling live-updating dashboards, collaborative editing experiences, and event-driven integrations. The file management capabilities include metadata extraction, image transformation, focal point cropping, and integration with cloud storage providers.

Directus can be self-hosted using Docker and supports SQLite, PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, MS SQL Server, and Oracle as the underlying database. The managed Directus Cloud option is available for teams that prefer not to manage infrastructure themselves. An extensions marketplace provides additional interfaces, displays, hooks, and modules contributed by the community.

Directus is used across a wide variety of industries for applications including headless e-commerce, digital asset management, API backends for mobile apps, internal data tools, and content management for any type of digital experience.