In-Depth Guide to Directus CMS: What You Need to Know

What is the Directus CMS? 

Key Features of Directus CMS

Intuitive Data Studio App

RESTful API and GraphQL Support

Real-Time Data Updates

Localization Support

Advanced Authentication

Content Versioning

Customizable Data Modeling

Built-in Automation

Custom Dashboards

Capabilities of Directus

• Headless Architecture: Directus separates the backend from the frontend. This allows for flexible content display. It supports various technologies and frameworks in different environments.
• API-First Approach: From version 7.0, Directus automatically creates APIs for SQL databases. This includes REST and GraphQL. It enables easy integration with other applications and services, improving data access and flow.
• Scalability: Directus adapts to any project, from simple websites to complex applications. This ensures you can scale up as needed.
• Media Library: It features a media library that offers easy storage of the web files, images, videos, and documents for ease of access.

Advantages of Directus CMS

Improved Performance

Scalability

Simplified Workflows

Multilingual Capabilities

Improve Security Traditional

Pricing

Support

Getting Started with Directus CMS

Installation and Setup

Install Docker

Set Up Your Project

version: "3"
services:
  database:
	image: postgis/postgis:13-master
	environment:
  	POSTGRES_USER: "demo_user"
  	POSTGRES_PASSWORD: "strong_password"
  	POSTGRES_DB: "demo_db"
	ports:
  	- "5432:5432"
 
  directus:
	image: directus/directus:10.12.1
	ports:
  	- "8055:8055"
	depends_on:
  	database:
    	condition: service_started
	environment:
  	PUBLIC_URL: "http://localhost:8055"
  	SECRET: "unique_secret"
  	DB_CLIENT: "pg"
  	DB_HOST: "database"
  	DB_PORT: "5432"
  	DB_DATABASE: "demo_db"
  	DB_USER: "demo_user"
  	DB_PASSWORD: "strong_password"
  	ADMIN_EMAIL: "[email protected]"
  	ADMIN_PASSWORD: "strong_password"

Access Directus

Creating Your First Project 

Access the Dashboard

Create a New Project

• Click "New Project" and enter a name for your project.
• Choose the database connection you set up earlier (e.g., PostgreSQL).
• Click "Create Project" to establish your first Directus project.

Exploring the Dashboard and Interface

Navigate Your Project

Dashboard Overview

• Content: View and manage your project's content.
• Collections: Define and manage your data models.
• Users: Manage user accounts and permissions.
• Settings: Configure project settings, including general settings, custom fields, and extensions.

Building Your First Content Type

Create a Collection:

• Go to the "Collections" section in the left sidebar.
• Click "Create Collection" to define a new content type. Enter a name (e.g., "Articles") and click "Create Collection."

Define Fields:

• Click on the newly created collection to add fields.
• Click "Add Field" to include fields such as Title, Content, Author, and Publication Date.
• Configure each field with its type, name, and other properties.
• Click "Save" to save your changes.

Integrating with a Frontend Application

Access API Documentation:

Frontend Integration:

Ideal Projects for Directus

Summary