Directus
Self-hostable backend with no-code interface, instant APIs, and AI integration for modern teams. Connect any database and manage content without abstraction layers.
Directus is an open-source alternative to:
Directus: The Backend for Your Whole Team
Directus is an open-source backend platform that connects to any SQL database, instantly generating REST and GraphQL APIs while providing a no-code admin interface. It includes native MCP server support for AI tools like Claude, ChatGPT, and Cursor, enabling teams to work collaboratively on their data without tickets or manual processes.
Key Features
- Instant APIs: Automatically generates production-ready REST and GraphQL APIs from your database schema
- No-Code Admin Interface: Full-featured CMS with digital asset management, dashboards, and visual editing
- AI Integration: Native MCP server for connecting AI assistants directly to your live data with role-based access control
- Self-Hosting: Deploy on your own infrastructure or use Directus Cloud
- Real-Time Updates: WebSocket subscriptions for live data changes and collaborative editing
- Multi-Team Workspace: Separate interfaces and permissions for content, development, and operations teams
- Reusable Blocks: Many-to-any relationships for creating modular content structures
- Built-in AI Assistant: Conversational AI embedded in the Studio for content operations
Tech / Self-Hosting
- Database Agnostic: Works with PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, SQL Server, Oracle, and more
- Self-Hosting: Docker, Node.js, or direct deployment options available
- MCP Server: Native integration with Claude Desktop, Cursor, ChatGPT, and other MCP-compatible tools
- Cloud Hosting: Directus Cloud available for managed deployments
- Extensible: Plugin architecture for adding custom functionality and integrations