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Alex Spinov
Alex Spinov

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Directus Has a Free Data Platform — Turn Any SQL Database Into a REST and GraphQL API

#directus #api #database #cms

You already have a database. Directus wraps it with instant REST and GraphQL APIs, an admin dashboard, auth, and file storage — without changing your schema.

What is Directus?

Directus is an open-source data platform that sits on top of any SQL database. It doesn't own your data — it mirrors your existing schema and gives you APIs, a visual admin panel, and access control.

Why Directus Is Different

1. Works With Your Existing Database 

# Point Directus at any existing database
DB_CLIENT=pg
DB_HOST=localhost
DB_PORT=5432
DB_DATABASE=myapp
DB_USER=admin
DB_PASSWORD=secret
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Directus introspects your schema and creates APIs automatically. Your existing tables, relationships, and data — instantly accessible.

2. Instant REST API 

# List items
GET /items/products?filter[price][_gt]=50&sort=-created_at&limit=10

# Create
POST /items/products
{ "name": "Widget", "price": 29.99 }

# Update
PATCH /items/products/123
{ "price": 34.99 }

# Deep filtering with relationships
GET /items/orders?filter[customer][country][_eq]=US&fields=id,total,customer.name
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3. Instant GraphQL API 

query {
  products(
    filter: { price: { _gt: 50 } }
    sort: ["-created_at"]
    limit: 10
  ) {
    id
    name
    price
    category {
      name
    }
  }
}
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4. Visual Admin Dashboard

Directus auto-generates a full admin interface:

  • CRUD for all collections
  • Relationship management
  • File manager with image editing
  • User and role management
  • Activity logging
  • Custom dashboards with widgets

5. Flows (Visual Automation)

Build automations visually:

Trigger: On item create in "orders"
→ Run JavaScript: calculate shipping
→ Send email: order confirmation
→ Create item in "notifications"
→ Webhook: update inventory system
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6. Granular Access Control 

{
  "role": "editor",
  "permissions": {
    "products": {
      "read": { "_and": [{ "status": { "_eq": "published" } }] },
      "update": { "fields": ["title", "content"], "filter": { "author": { "_eq": "$CURRENT_USER" } } },
      "create": true,
      "delete": false
    }
  }
}
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Field-level, row-level, and role-based access — all configurable in the admin.

Supported Databases

  • PostgreSQL
  • MySQL / MariaDB
  • SQLite
  • MS SQL Server
  • OracleDB
  • CockroachDB

Directus vs Strapi vs Hasura

Directus Strapi Hasura
Database Any SQL (mirrors existing) Creates own schema PostgreSQL
Schema ownership Your DB owns schema Strapi owns schema Your DB owns schema
REST API Auto-generated Auto-generated No (GraphQL only)
GraphQL Auto-generated Plugin Auto-generated
Admin UI Auto-generated Auto-generated Console
Flows/Automation Visual builder Webhooks only Event triggers
License GPL v3 MIT Apache 2.0

Getting Started 

# Docker
docker run -p 8055:8055 directus/directus

# npm
npx create-directus-project my-project

# Admin: http://localhost:8055
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The Bottom Line

Directus doesn't replace your database — it supercharges it. Point it at any SQL database and get instant APIs, a beautiful admin panel, and granular access control. No migration needed.

Need data extraction? I build scraping tools. Check my Apify actors or email spinov001@gmail.com.

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