Fixing 'The Stores Could Not Be Found' Error In Directus DefineDisplay Fields Function

July 6, 2025 by StackCamp Team 87 views

The Stores Could Not Be Found When Using useStores Inside the defineDisplay Fields Function

Introduction

When developing custom displays in Directus, the useStores composable from the @directus/extensions-sdk package is invaluable for accessing various stores within the Directus application. These stores provide access to configurations, fields, collections, and other essential data. However, developers may encounter an issue where the stores cannot be found when using useStores inside the defineDisplay fields function, particularly after navigating between different collections or pages within the Directus admin interface. This article delves into the root cause of this problem, provides a step-by-step guide to reproduce it, and offers potential solutions and workarounds.

Understanding the Bug

The bug manifests as an error message: Error: [useStores]: The stores could not be found. This error typically occurs when attempting to access stores using useStores within the fields property of a custom display definition. The fields property is a function that dynamically returns an array of fields to be displayed based on certain conditions or configurations.

The issue seems to arise after the initial page load or refresh. On the first visit to a page or after a refresh, the useStores composable functions correctly, and the stores are accessible. However, after navigating to another table page or collection and then returning to the original page, the error occurs. This behavior suggests that the stores' context or initialization might not be correctly maintained across page navigations within the Directus application.

This problem bears resemblance to previously reported issues, such as #9802 and #10255, indicating that while those issues were addressed, the underlying cause might not have been entirely resolved. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue and potential solutions for Directus developers.

Reproducing the Bug: A Step-by-Step Guide

To effectively address this bug, it's crucial to be able to reproduce it consistently. The following steps outline how to reproduce the "stores could not be found" error when using useStores within the defineDisplay fields function:

Step 1: Create a Simple Custom Display

Start by creating a basic custom display within your Directus project. This display will serve as the foundation for demonstrating the bug. You can create a new display extension using the Directus extension SDK.

Step 2: Implement the `fields` Function

Within your custom display definition, add the fields function. This function should utilize the useStores composable to access Directus stores. A minimal example is provided below:

import { defineDisplay, useStores } from '@directus/extensions-sdk';

export default defineDisplay({
  id: 'my-custom-display',
  name: 'My Custom Display',
  icon: 'box',
  description: 'A simple display to demonstrate the useStores bug.',
  fields: () => {
    try {
      const stores = useStores();
      console.log('stores', stores);
      return ['id'];
    } catch (error) {
      console.error('Error in fields function:', error);
      return [];
    }
  },
});

In this example, the fields function attempts to access the stores using useStores and logs the result to the console. It then returns a simple array containing the 'id' field. The try...catch block is used to handle potential errors and log them to the console.

Step 3: Set the Display to a Field

In your Directus data model, select a field within a collection and configure it to use your newly created custom display. This step ensures that the display is rendered within the Directus admin interface.

Step 4: Navigate to the Collection

Navigate to the collection containing the field where you set the custom display. The display should render correctly on the initial page load.

Step 5: Navigate Away and Back

Navigate to another collection or page within the Directus admin interface. Then, return to the original collection where the custom display is configured. This navigation simulates the scenario where the bug occurs.

Step 6: Observe the Error

After navigating back to the original collection, observe the console for the error message: Error: [useStores]: The stores could not be found. This error indicates that the bug has been successfully reproduced.

By following these steps, you can consistently reproduce the bug and verify potential solutions or workarounds. The next sections will delve into the possible causes of this issue and offer strategies to mitigate it.

Potential Causes of the Issue

Several factors could contribute to the "stores could not be found" error when using useStores inside the defineDisplay fields function. Understanding these potential causes is crucial for developing effective solutions. Here are some of the primary possibilities:

1. Context Loss

The most likely cause is a loss of context for the useStores composable after navigating between different sections of the Directus admin interface. The Directus extension SDK relies on a specific context to access the application's stores. When navigating away from and back to a display, this context might not be correctly preserved or re-established, leading to the error.

2. Component Lifecycle Issues

Directus, built with Vue.js, utilizes a component-based architecture. The lifecycle of Vue components plays a significant role in how extensions function. The fields function within a display might be executed at a point in the component lifecycle where the necessary stores are not yet initialized or available. This timing issue can result in the useStores composable failing to find the stores.

3. Asynchronous Operations

The initialization of stores or the data they contain might involve asynchronous operations. If the fields function attempts to access stores before these asynchronous operations are complete, the stores might not be available, leading to the error. This is particularly relevant when stores depend on data fetched from the Directus API.

4. Caching and State Management

Directus employs caching and state management mechanisms to optimize performance and maintain application state. If these mechanisms are not correctly handling the state of stores across page navigations, it could result in the stores being unavailable when the fields function is executed.

5. Extension SDK Bug

While less likely, there is a possibility of a bug within the Directus extension SDK itself. If the useStores composable or the underlying store management logic has a flaw, it could lead to the stores not being accessible under certain conditions. This possibility should be considered, especially if other solutions prove ineffective.

By identifying these potential causes, developers can focus their efforts on the most likely scenarios and implement targeted solutions. The following sections will explore various workarounds and solutions to address the "stores could not be found" error.

Workarounds and Solutions

Addressing the "stores could not be found" error requires a multifaceted approach, considering the potential causes outlined earlier. Here are several workarounds and solutions that developers can implement to mitigate this issue:

1. Ensure Context Preservation

One of the primary strategies is to ensure that the context required by useStores is preserved across page navigations. This can be achieved by carefully managing the component lifecycle and ensuring that the necessary initialization steps are performed when a display is re-rendered.

Vue.js provide and inject: Utilizing Vue.js's provide and inject features can help maintain the context across components. A parent component can provide the stores, and the display component can inject them. This ensures that the stores are available within the display's scope.
Wrapper Components: Wrapping the display component within another component can help manage the context. The wrapper component can ensure that the stores are properly initialized before rendering the display.

2. Lifecycle Hooks

Leveraging Vue.js lifecycle hooks can help ensure that useStores is called at the appropriate time. The mounted hook, for instance, is called after the component has been mounted to the DOM, ensuring that the necessary context is available.

import { defineDisplay, useStores } from '@directus/extensions-sdk';
import { onMounted, ref } from 'vue';

export default defineDisplay({
  id: 'my-custom-display',
  name: 'My Custom Display',
  icon: 'box',
  description: 'A display that uses lifecycle hooks to access stores.',
  fields: () => {
    const stores = ref(null);

    onMounted(() => {
      try {
        stores.value = useStores();
        console.log('stores', stores.value);
      } catch (error) {
        console.error('Error in onMounted:', error);
      }
    });

    return ['id'];
  },
});

In this example, useStores is called within the onMounted hook, ensuring that the component is fully initialized before attempting to access the stores.

3. Asynchronous Handling

If the stores' initialization involves asynchronous operations, it's crucial to handle these operations correctly. Using async and await can help ensure that the stores are fully initialized before being accessed.

import { defineDisplay, useStores } from '@directus/extensions-sdk';

export default defineDisplay({
  id: 'my-custom-display',
  name: 'My Custom Display',
  icon: 'box',
  description: 'A display that handles asynchronous store initialization.',
  fields: async () => {
    try {
      // Simulate asynchronous store initialization
      await new Promise(resolve => setTimeout(resolve, 100));

      const stores = useStores();
      console.log('stores', stores);
      return ['id'];
    } catch (error) {
      console.error('Error in fields function:', error);
      return [];
    }
  },
});

This example simulates an asynchronous operation using setTimeout. In a real-world scenario, this could represent fetching data from the Directus API or performing other initialization tasks.

4. Caching Strategies

Implementing caching strategies can help reduce the frequency of store initialization and data fetching. This can improve performance and reduce the likelihood of timing issues.

Local Storage: Storing store data in local storage can allow displays to access the data even after navigation. However, this approach requires careful management to ensure data consistency.
Session Storage: Session storage provides a similar mechanism to local storage but is cleared when the browser session ends. This can be a suitable option for data that does not need to persist across sessions.

5. Debouncing and Throttling

In scenarios where the fields function is called frequently, debouncing or throttling can help reduce the number of calls and prevent potential issues. These techniques limit the rate at which a function is executed, ensuring that it is not called too often.

6. Error Handling and Fallbacks

Implementing robust error handling can prevent the display from crashing when the stores are not available. Providing fallback mechanisms, such as displaying a default set of fields or a loading indicator, can improve the user experience.

7. Directus SDK Updates

Ensure that you are using the latest version of the Directus extension SDK. Updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can address issues like this. Regularly updating the SDK can help prevent known problems.

By implementing these workarounds and solutions, developers can effectively address the "stores could not be found" error and ensure the reliable functioning of their custom displays. The next section will provide a summary of the key strategies and offer best practices for working with Directus extensions.

Best Practices for Working with Directus Extensions

Developing Directus extensions requires a solid understanding of the Directus architecture, the extension SDK, and best practices for building robust and maintainable applications. Here are some key best practices to keep in mind when working with Directus extensions:

1. Understand the Directus Architecture

A thorough understanding of the Directus architecture is essential for building effective extensions. This includes understanding how Directus handles data, manages users and permissions, and interacts with its API. Familiarize yourself with the core concepts of Directus, such as collections, fields, displays, interfaces, and modules.

2. Leverage the Directus Extension SDK

The Directus Extension SDK provides a set of tools and utilities that simplify the development process. Utilize the SDK's features, such as defineDisplay, defineInterface, useStores, and other composables, to streamline your development efforts. The SDK offers a consistent and well-documented API for building extensions.

3. Follow the Component Lifecycle

When building extensions that interact with the Directus UI, pay close attention to the Vue.js component lifecycle. Ensure that you are accessing stores and data at the appropriate time in the lifecycle, such as within the mounted hook. This helps prevent timing issues and ensures that the necessary context is available.

4. Implement Robust Error Handling

Error handling is crucial for building reliable extensions. Implement try...catch blocks to handle potential errors and provide informative error messages to users. Consider providing fallback mechanisms or default behaviors when errors occur to prevent the extension from crashing.

5. Manage Asynchronous Operations

Many operations within Directus extensions involve asynchronous tasks, such as fetching data from the API. Use async and await to manage these operations effectively. Ensure that you handle asynchronous operations correctly to prevent race conditions and ensure that data is available when needed.

6. Utilize Caching Strategies

Caching can significantly improve the performance of extensions. Implement caching strategies to reduce the frequency of data fetching and store initialization. Consider using local storage, session storage, or in-memory caching mechanisms, depending on the specific requirements of your extension.

7. Optimize Performance

Performance is a critical consideration when building Directus extensions. Optimize your code to minimize resource consumption and ensure that the extension performs efficiently. Use techniques such as debouncing, throttling, and lazy loading to improve performance.

8. Write Clear and Maintainable Code

Write clear, well-documented, and maintainable code. Follow coding conventions and best practices to ensure that your extensions are easy to understand and modify. Use meaningful variable and function names, and add comments to explain complex logic.

9. Test Your Extensions Thoroughly

Thoroughly test your extensions to ensure that they function correctly and meet the requirements. Test different scenarios, including edge cases and error conditions. Use testing frameworks and tools to automate the testing process.

10. Stay Up-to-Date with Directus Updates

Directus is continuously evolving, with new features and updates being released regularly. Stay up-to-date with the latest Directus releases and updates to the Extension SDK. This ensures that you are using the latest tools and techniques and can take advantage of new features and bug fixes.

By following these best practices, developers can build robust, performant, and maintainable Directus extensions that enhance the functionality and user experience of the Directus platform. The next section provides a concluding summary of the article.

Conclusion

The "stores could not be found" error when using useStores inside the defineDisplay fields function can be a frustrating issue for Directus developers. However, by understanding the potential causes, such as context loss, component lifecycle issues, and asynchronous operations, developers can implement effective workarounds and solutions. This article has provided a comprehensive guide to reproducing the bug, exploring potential causes, and offering various strategies to mitigate the issue.

Key takeaways include ensuring context preservation, leveraging lifecycle hooks, handling asynchronous operations correctly, and implementing caching strategies. Additionally, following best practices for Directus extension development, such as understanding the Directus architecture, utilizing the Extension SDK, and writing clear and maintainable code, is crucial for building robust and performant extensions.

By applying the techniques and best practices outlined in this article, Directus developers can confidently build custom displays and other extensions that enhance the Directus platform and provide valuable functionality to their users. As Directus continues to evolve, staying informed about best practices and potential issues will remain essential for successful extension development.