Overview
Directus is an open-source data platform that connects to a SQL database and instantly exposes its contents through a REST and GraphQL API, alongside a no-code admin dashboard for managing that content. It works with both new and existing databases without requiring a migration, so it maps directly onto whatever schema you already have.
It is built for teams that need a back-office and content layer on top of their data: developers who want an API without writing CRUD boilerplate, and non-technical users who manage records through the Vue.js admin app. Supported databases include PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, MariaDB, MS-SQL, OracleDB, and CockroachDB.
As a low-code / no-code builder, Directus sits between a raw database and a hand-built application. You can run it locally, self-host on-premises, or use Directus Cloud, and extend its modular platform when you need behavior beyond the defaults.
What it does
- Layers a REST and GraphQL API on top of any supported SQL database
- Works with new or existing databases with no migration required
- Supports PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, MariaDB, MS-SQL, OracleDB, and CockroachDB
- No-code Vue.js admin dashboard aimed at non-technical users
- Run locally, self-host on-premises, or use the hosted Directus Cloud
- Modular and white-labelable, so the platform can be customized and extended
Getting started
The fastest way to try Directus is the official Docker image, which starts the API and admin app together. The README does not document an npm install command, so the Docker quickstart below is the grounded starting point.
Run Directus with Docker
Start a Directus instance on port 8055 using the official image.
docker run -p 8055:8055 directus/directusOpen the admin app
Visit the running instance in your browser, then follow the onboarding screen to configure your first admin account.
http://localhost:8055Connect your own database
For a persistent setup, the docs recommend Docker Compose so you can configure a SECRET and point Directus at your own SQL database, then bring the stack up.
docker compose upCommands and code are distilled from the project's own documentation — always check the official repo for the latest.
When to use it
- Give an existing SQL database an instant REST and GraphQL API without writing CRUD code
- Provide non-technical team members a no-code dashboard to manage content and records
- Use Directus as a headless CMS or content backend for websites and apps
- Build internal back-office tools on top of company data
How Directus compares
Directus alongside other open-source low-code & no-code builders tools AI/TLDR tracks, ranked by GitHub stars.
| Tool | Stars | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Langflow | ★ 150k | Langflow is an open-source platform for building AI agents and workflows visually, then deploying each flow as an API or MCP server. |
| NocoDB | ★ 63.5k | An open-source tool that turns any SQL database into a no-code spreadsheet-style app, used as a self-hosted Airtable alternative. |
| Flowise | ★ 53.7k | Flowise is an open-source low-code tool that lets you build LLM apps and AI agents by connecting nodes on a visual canvas, then ship them as an API or chat widget. |
| Appsmith | ★ 40.1k | An open-source low-code platform for quickly building internal tools, admin panels, and dashboards from a visual editor plus custom JavaScript and data-source connections. |
| ToolJet | ★ 38k | An open-source low-code platform with a drag-and-drop UI builder, built-in database, and JavaScript logic for building internal tools, dashboards, and workflows. |
| Directus | ★ 36k | Turn any SQL database into an instant REST and GraphQL API with a no-code admin app |
| Refine | ★ 34.9k | A React meta-framework for building data-heavy internal tools, admin panels, dashboards, and B2B apps, combining low-code generators with full code control. |
| Sim | ★ 28.8k | Sim is an open-source AI workspace where teams build agents by chat, on a visual canvas, or in code, with 1,000+ integrations and every major LLM. |