Directus
Database-first headless CMS with a native AI assistant and MCP server.
About
Directus is an open-source, database-first headless CMS that wraps any existing SQL database, including PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, and others, with instant REST and GraphQL APIs plus a no-code Data Studio admin app. Because data lives in your own database, teams keep full ownership and can self-host or use Directus Cloud.
For AI-native workflows it ships a native MCP server so agents interact with content through the same role-based permissions as human users, alongside a built-in AI assistant for content generation, translation, and actions. A visual automation builder called Flows handles event and schedule-based logic, and WebSocket subscriptions provide realtime updates. Self-hosting is free, with cloud plans for managed deployments.
What it can do
- Instant REST, GraphQL, and realtime APIs over existing SQL
- Native MCP server for AI agent integrations
- Built-in AI assistant with human-equivalent permissions
- Flows visual automation builder
- Field-level role-based access control
Setup
Deploy the official Docker image against your SQL database, or start a Directus Cloud project.
Prerequisites
A SQL database (PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite, and others supported); Docker for self-hosting.
Use cases
Works with
Trust score — 8/10
Scored 8/10 (verified tier, metrics-v1). Evidence: Verified via vendor site/docs/GitHub and reputable coverage, wave 135; Trending score 80/100 from researcher assessment.
Sources
Every fact above was checked against these sources. Where a claim comes from the provider and couldn't be independently verified, the text says so.