From version 9.0, Saxon provides the ability to export or import a compiled schema. The export format is an XML file, known as an SCM file (for schema component model). Exporting a schema in SCM format makes it quicker to reload when the same schema is used again. It is also a format that is easier for programs to analyze, in comparison with raw XSD schema documents.
The simplest way to create an SCM file is from the command line, using the com.saxonica.Validate
command with the -scmout option. This is described here. Alternatively,
an SCM file can be generated programmatically using the exportComponents() method of the
com.saxonica.EnterpriseConfiguration class,
which is described in the JavaDoc. The serializer is unselective: it will output an SCM containing all the schema components
that have been loaded into the Configuration, other than built-in schema components.
An SCM file can be imported using the -scmin option of the com.saxonica.Validate command.
It can also be loaded programmatically using the SchemaModelLoader class. For example:
SchemaModelLoader loader = new SchemaModelLoader(config);
loader.load(new StreamSource(new File("input.scm")));
A schema loaded in this way is then available for all tasks performed using this Configuration, including validation of source documents and compiling of schema-aware queries and stylesheets. In particular, it can be used when compiled queries are run under this Configuration.
Schema Component Models can also be imported and exported using the importComponents() and
exportComponents() methods of the SchemaManager in the s9api interface.
The structure of an SCM file is defined in the schema scmschema.xsd which is available
in the directory samples/scm/ in the saxon-resources download file. This is
annotated to explain the mappings between elements and attributes in the SCM file and components and properties
as defined in the W3C XML Schema Specification. The same
directory contains a file scmschema.scm which contains the schema for SCM in SCM format.