Headless CMS and data platform

# Directus content management for SQL databases

Deploy Directus on Deplomo, an open-source platform that exposes SQL databases through APIs and a visual data management interface.

[Get started](https://panel.deplomo.com/signup)[Back to marketplace](/marketplace)

## Directus features on Deplomo

Keep your existing database structure, generate APIs and use a Persian-language interface on a private cloud network.

### Connect to SQL databases

Unlike many CMS platforms, Directus connects to your SQL database (PostgreSQL, MySQL or SQLite) without imposing a separate data schema.

### Automated REST and GraphQL API generation

Generate documented REST and GraphQL endpoints for database tables and relationships.

### Modern admin panel with Persian and RTL support

A modern interface with built-in Persian-language and right-to-left (RTL) support for teams entering content.

### Manage access and files

Configure authentication and role-based access control (RBAC) at the row and column level, with cloud file storage.

## Directus FAQs

Answers to common questions about database connections, the Directus content management interface and APIs:

What is directus and how does it work as a Headless CMS?

What is the difference between directus and traditional content management systems like WordPress?

How does Directus help avoid vendor lock-in?

Does Directus support Persian and multilingual projects?

What are the benefits of hosting Directus on Deplomo?

## Directus guide: expose SQL data through APIs and a management interface

Building a web application from scratch can involve writing backend code, implementing CRUD operations and creating an admin panel. Directus provides a visual interface and REST and GraphQL endpoints on top of a SQL database without requiring a new schema. Deploy it on Deplomo in a cloud container.

### What is Directus, and how does it work with a relational database?

Directus follows a database-first approach: it connects to your existing schema instead of requiring a content-specific schema. It reads the tables, columns and relationships to create a visual management interface.

If you are choosing a headless CMS that lets you define data models in its interface, compare Directus with [host strapi](/marketplace/apps/strapi) to decide which approach fits your project. You can also create a [MySQL database hosting](/marketplace/apps/mysql) database on Deplomo and connect Directus using its connection string.

### Manual Directus setup compared with cloud deployment

Setting up Directus on a Linux server can involve configuring Node.js, a reverse proxy such as Nginx, database access, SSL certificates, file uploads and caching.

Deploy Directus in a cloud container and connect it to your database over the project network. Add a custom domain and configure SSL where supported.

### Compare Directus on Deplomo with manual setup and custom backend development

The table summarizes key aspects of using Directus:

<table class="w-full text-start text-sm"><thead class="border-b border-border/80 bg-muted/60 text-xs font-bold text-foreground"><tr><th class="p-4">Feature</th><th class="p-4 text-deplomo-600 dark:text-deplomo-400 font-extrabold">Directus on Deplomo</th><th class="p-4">Custom backend and admin panel development</th><th class="p-4">Manual setup on a VPS</th></tr></thead><tbody class="divide-y divide-border/60 text-muted-foreground"><tr class="hover:bg-muted/30"><td class="p-4 font-semibold text-foreground">API and admin panel setup</td><td class="p-4 font-medium text-foreground">Generate REST and GraphQL APIs from your database schema</td><td class="p-4">Write routes, controllers and validation</td><td class="p-4">Configure server dependencies</td></tr><tr class="hover:bg-muted/30"><td class="p-4 font-semibold text-foreground">Dependency on database structure</td><td class="p-4 font-medium text-foreground">No schema change required; the SQL database remains in place</td><td class="p-4">Depends on the models and code maintained by the development team</td><td class="p-4">No schema migration required, but the database configuration still needs maintenance</td></tr><tr class="hover:bg-muted/30"><td class="p-4 font-semibold text-foreground">Role-based access control (RBAC)</td><td class="p-4 font-medium text-foreground">Configure access visually at the row and field levels</td><td class="p-4">Requires custom authentication and authorization logic</td><td class="p-4">Access controls are available in the interface; plan regular backups</td></tr><tr class="hover:bg-muted/30"><td class="p-4 font-semibold text-foreground">Infrastructure and maintenance costs</td><td class="p-4 font-medium text-foreground">Fixed monthly EUR package pricing</td><td class="p-4">Backend development costs</td><td class="p-4">Fixed monthly server fee with limited resource flexibility</td></tr></tbody></table>

With Directus on Deplomo, development teams can focus on the frontend and application while using a visual data management interface.

### Deploy Directus and connect it to a database

Follow these steps to set up Directus:

- **Choose Directus from the marketplace** Open the Deplomo console and choose Directus from the ready-to-deploy apps.

- **Configure the database and resources** Enter the SQL database connection details, such as PostgreSQL or MySQL, in the environment variables and choose resources for the service.

- **Deploy the service** Deplomo creates the container and provides domain and SSL settings where supported.

- **Sign in and manage content** Sign in to Directus with the credentials you created, then use the interface and generated endpoints with your frontend.

### Deploy Directus on Deplomo

Use Directus to manage content for SQL databases and expose REST and GraphQL APIs. Deploy it in a cloud container with the resources your project needs.

Build a Directus data management panel on Deplomo and use it with your frontend apps.

## Run Directus in seconds

Automated deployment, cloud database connections and defined package limits.

[Get started with Directus](https://panel.deplomo.com/signup)