JSON Schema Packages Now Available for the Semantic Engine

We’re excited to announce a major update to how schemas are handled in the Semantic Engine. If you’ve used the Semantic Engine before, you’re familiar with the .zip schema bundles — a set of individual JSON files zipped together. While functional, this format posed usability challenges, especially for Mac users.

Now, the Semantic Engine introduces a single JSON schema package that contains the same components, streamlined into one file. This new structure simplifies distribution and improves compatibility across platforms.

In addition, we’ve expanded the Semantic Engine’s capabilities with a new feature: extensions. These optional overlays follow the same structure as the core OCA specification and allow for extra functionality, such as custom attribute ordering — a commonly requested feature now supported in all Semantic Engine tools.

Each schema package now includes:

• The OCA Bundle (core overlays)

• The Extensions (optional features)

• A derived identifier for both the bundle and full package, enabling consistent and trusted referencing.

While .zip bundles are still supported, JSON packages are now the default going forward. You can convert your existing .zip schemas to the new format using the Semantic Engine.

Learn more in the OCA Package Specification.