# Directus Docs
These Docs will help you get up-and-running quickly, guide you through advanced features, and explain the core concepts that make Directus so unique.
Version 9
This is the documentation for the new Directus 9 (opens new window) platform written in Node.js. If you are looking for the previous Directus 8 (opens new window) (PHP) docs, you can find them here (opens new window).
# What is Directus?
Directus is an Open Data Platform for managing the content of any SQL database. It provides a powerful API layer for developers and an intuitive App for non-technical users. Written entirely in JavaScript (primarily Node.js (opens new window) and Vue.js (opens new window)), Directus is completely open-source, modular, and extensible, allowing it to be fully tailored to your exact project needs.
Our platform can be used as a headless CMS for managing digital experiences, a database client for democratizing data, or as a standalone back-office web app for CRM, inventory, business intelligence, project management, etc.
What's in a name?
"Directus" (duh REKT iss (opens new window)) is Latin for: laid straight, arranged in lines. The broadest goal of our platform is to present data in a simple, orderly, and intuitive way.
# What makes it unique?
Directus dynamically generates custom API endpoints based on your SQL database's schema in real-time — something we call "Database Mirroring". Whether you install fresh or on top of an existing database, you always maintain end-to-end control over your actual database, including: tables, columns, datatypes, default values, indexes, relationships, etc.
Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of Database Mirroring is that you have direct access to your pure and unaltered data. That means you have the option to bypass the Directus middleware (API, SDK, App) and connect to your data with proper SQL queries. This effectively removes all bottlenecks, latency overhead, and proprietary access limitations.
Directus is a simple solution for complex problems, with a data-first approach guided by the following core principles:
- Pure — There is no predefined model or proprietary rules for your schema, and all system settings are stored separately.
- Open — Our entire codebase is public and transparent, allowing for end-to-end audits. Nothing is obfuscated or black-boxed.
- Portable — Data is stored in your bespoke database and can be migrated/exported/backed-up at any time. Absolutely no vendor lock-in.
- Limitless — Create unlimited users, roles, languages, collections, and items. No arbitrary restrictions or paywall limitations.
- Extensible — Every aspect of the platform is modular, allowing you to adapt, customize, and infinitely extend the Core engine.
- Unopinionated — Choose your database (all SQL vendors), API (REST or GraphQL), and infra (self-hosted or Cloud).
# The Directus Ecosystem
# Open-Source Core
Our completely free and open-source (GPLv3) Open Data Platform. Directus includes our dynamic API engine (Node.js), the intuitive Admin App (Vue.js), this documentation (Markdown), and all dependencies.
# Documentation
Our documentation (opens new window) describes the most recent version of our platform. They are written in publicly managed markdown files so the community can help keep them clean and up-to-date. The docs are divided into the following sections:
- Getting Started — Novice oriented, for a platform intro and installation.
- Concepts — Learning oriented, for understanding the platform.
- Guides — Problem oriented, follow along with steps while working.
- Reference — Information oriented, look up info and specs while working.
- API Reference — Information oriented, look up API resources while working.
- Contributing — Contributor oriented — resources for working on Open-Source Core.
Versioned Docs
Specific version of the Docs ship with each install of Directus 9. They can be found within the Documentation module of the App.
# On-Demand Cloud
Our self-service platform (opens new window) for quick and affordable instances of Directus on a multitenant infrastructure. Each project includes automatic updates, automatic backups, .
# Enterprise Cloud
Our premium managed solution. Powered by dedicated hardware in your selected region, this service offers high-availability, custom limits, SSO, API white-labeling, uptime SLAs, and more. Contact our sales team (opens new window) to discuss pricing and options.
# Cloud Documentation
Cloud-Specific Docs (opens new window) include guides for managing projects within our Cloud Dashboard.
# Private Demos
Our On-Demand Cloud platform includes ability to create private demo instances (opens new window). Each demo runs the latest version of Directus, lasts for several hours, and is completely free, with no credit card required.
# System Status
The Status Page (opens new window) provides up-to-date information on our various systems, including current and historical incident details and our 30-day uptime percentage. From this site you can access the global status or your Cloud project's dedicated status page.
# Website
Our marketing site (opens new window) provides general information, resources, and team info for the project.
# Social
For the latest product info and sneak-peeks, be sure to follow us on Twitter (opens new window).
# Videos
Our YouTube Channel (opens new window) has video tutorials, release updates, feature overviews, and more.
# Community
Join our growing community of 4,000+ developers on Discord (opens new window) and Slack (legacy). From community support to seeing where the platform is heading next, it's a great way to get involved.
# App Locales
We use Crowdin (opens new window) to manage our numerous App translations. If you're looking to add or improve Directus in your language, you can learn more here.
# Marketplace
Coming in 2021, the Directus Marketplace (opens new window) will offer a unified portal to extensions created by our Core Team and community contributors.