Directus Super Table: User Access For Language Columns

Hey everyone! Let's dive into a common challenge when using Directus Super Tables – specifically, how to manage language column visibility based on user access permissions. Imagine a scenario where you've got a Super Table with columns for various languages, and you want to ensure that users only see the columns relevant to the languages they have permission to access. This article will walk you through the issue, the desired behavior, and how to achieve it in Directus.

The Issue: Unfiltered Language Columns

So, here’s the problem we’re tackling. Admins often set up Super Table layouts with columns for all available languages. They then create global bookmarks for these layouts, making them accessible to all users. That sounds efficient, right? Well, not quite. The hitch is that when a user logs in who only has access to a subset of these languages, they still see all the language columns. This leads to errors popping up in the console for languages they don’t have access to. It’s like being shown a menu with dishes you can't order – frustrating and messy!

Why is this happening? The core issue is that the system isn't filtering columns based on user access policies before rendering the layout. This means the user's browser is trying to load data for columns they’re not authorized to view, hence the errors. We need a smarter approach where the system checks user permissions first.

The current behavior can create a confusing and potentially frustrating user experience. Imagine a content editor logging in and seeing a whole bunch of columns filled with languages they don't understand and can't edit. Not only is it visually overwhelming, but it also clutters the interface and makes it harder to focus on the relevant content. Plus, those console errors aren't just annoying – they can also hint at potential security vulnerabilities if not addressed properly.

This issue also highlights the importance of data governance and access control in modern content management systems. You want to give users the tools they need to do their jobs effectively, but you also need to protect sensitive information and prevent unauthorized access. In a multilingual context, this means carefully managing who can view and edit content in each language.

To make things clearer, let's look at a real-world example. Suppose you have a Super Table with columns for English, Spanish, French, and German. A user who only has permission to edit English and Spanish content should only see those two columns. The French and German columns should be hidden from their view, preventing confusion and unnecessary data requests. This is the essence of what we're trying to achieve: a clean, streamlined interface that only shows users what they need to see.

Desired Behavior: Filtered Columns Based on Access

Okay, so we know what's happening now, but how should things actually work? The desired behavior is pretty straightforward: the system should filter the columns in the Super Table layout based on the user’s access permissions before rendering anything. Think of it as a bouncer at a club – only letting in the people on the guest list. In our case, the “guest list” is the user's access policy, and the “people” are the language columns.

What does this mean in practice? When a user logs in and opens a Super Table layout, Directus should first check which languages the user has permission to access. Then, it should only display the columns corresponding to those languages. Columns for languages the user doesn't have access to should be hidden entirely. This approach has several key benefits:

• Improved User Experience: By showing only relevant columns, the interface becomes much cleaner and less cluttered. Users can focus on the languages they're authorized to work with, leading to a more efficient and less confusing workflow. No more staring at columns you can't touch!
• Reduced Errors: Filtering columns at the rendering stage prevents the system from even trying to fetch data for unauthorized languages. This eliminates those pesky console errors and keeps things running smoothly.
• Enhanced Security: While hiding columns isn't a foolproof security measure, it does reduce the risk of accidental data access or modification. Users can't interact with data they can't see, which adds an extra layer of protection.
• Optimized Performance: By not requesting data for hidden columns, the system can save bandwidth and processing power. This can lead to faster loading times and a more responsive user interface, especially in Super Tables with a large number of columns and languages.

Let's illustrate this with an example. Imagine a user who only has access to English and Spanish content. When they open the Super Table layout, they should see only the English and Spanish columns. The columns for other languages, like French or German, should be completely hidden from their view. This is the ideal scenario we're aiming for – a clean, tailored interface that respects user access permissions.

This filtering mechanism should also be dynamic. If a user's access permissions change (e.g., they are granted access to a new language), the Super Table layout should automatically update to reflect those changes. This ensures that the user always sees the correct set of columns, without needing to manually refresh or reconfigure the layout.

How to Achieve Filtered Columns: Potential Solutions

Alright, so we've established the problem and the desired solution. Now, let’s brainstorm some ways to actually make this happen in Directus. There are a few potential avenues we can explore, each with its own set of pros and cons. We’ll look at both client-side and server-side approaches, as well as some creative workarounds.

1. Server-Side Filtering:

This is generally considered the most robust and secure approach. Why? Because the filtering happens before the data even reaches the client's browser. This means the user truly cannot access data for unauthorized languages. It's like having a gatekeeper at the data source itself.

• How it works: The Directus server would need to be modified (or extended with a custom extension) to inspect the user's access permissions before constructing the Super Table layout. It would then only include columns in the layout that the user has permission to view.
• Pros:
  • Highly Secure: Data for unauthorized languages is never exposed.
  • Optimal Performance: The client only receives the necessary data, reducing bandwidth usage and improving loading times.
  • Clean Implementation: The logic is centralized on the server, making it easier to maintain and update.
• Cons:
  • Requires Server-Side Development: This may involve writing custom code or modifying core Directus files, which can be complex and require specialized skills.
  • Potential for Performance Bottlenecks: If not implemented carefully, the filtering logic could add overhead to the server's processing time.

2. Client-Side Filtering:

This approach involves filtering the columns in the browser after the layout has been loaded. It's like having the bouncer check IDs at the door of each room, rather than at the main entrance.

• How it works: The client-side JavaScript code would need to inspect the user's access permissions and then hide the columns for unauthorized languages. This could be done using CSS or by removing the columns from the DOM entirely.
• Pros:
  • Easier to Implement: Client-side filtering is generally simpler to implement than server-side filtering, as it doesn't require modifications to the Directus server.
  • Faster Development Time: You can often implement client-side filtering using existing JavaScript libraries and frameworks.
• Cons:
  • Less Secure: The data for unauthorized languages is still loaded in the browser, even if it's hidden. A savvy user could potentially bypass the filtering and access the data.
  • Poorer Performance: Loading unnecessary data can impact performance, especially for large Super Tables.
  • More Complex Client-Side Code: The filtering logic can become complex if you have a large number of languages and access permissions.

3. Custom Extensions:

Directus has a powerful extension system that allows you to add custom functionality to the platform. This is often a good middle ground between modifying core files and relying solely on client-side solutions.

• How it works: You could create a custom extension that intercepts the Super Table layout request, checks the user's permissions, and filters the columns accordingly. This extension would essentially act as a server-side filter without directly modifying the Directus core.
• Pros:
  • Clean and Modular: Extensions keep your custom logic separate from the core Directus code, making it easier to upgrade and maintain.
  • Flexible: Extensions can be tailored to your specific needs and can integrate with other Directus features.
  • Relatively Secure: Extensions run on the server, providing a higher level of security than client-side solutions.
• Cons:
  • Requires Extension Development Skills: You'll need to be familiar with Directus's extension API and how to write custom extensions.
  • Potential for Performance Impact: As with any server-side solution, poorly written extensions can impact performance.

4. Policy-Based Filtering (Recommended):

This approach leverages Directus's built-in policy system to control access to individual fields (columns) within the Super Table. This is likely the most Directus-native and recommended approach for managing access control.

• How it works: You would define policies that restrict access to specific language columns based on user roles or permissions. For example, you could create a policy that only allows users with the