gsettings-schema-convert

gsettings-schema-convert [SCHEMA_XML_FILE...]

SCHEMA_XML_FILE...
    One or more schema XML files to convert. These files contain the schema definitions in XML format.

The `gsettings-schema-convert` command is a utility used to convert GSettings schema XML files into a binary format suitable for use by the GSettings backend.
GSettings is a configuration system used in GNOME and other Linux environments to store application settings. Schemas define the structure and allowed values for these settings.
This conversion is necessary because the GSettings backend primarily works with binary schema files for performance reasons. The command takes one or more schema XML files as input and outputs a binary schema file, which is typically placed in a directory where GSettings can find it.
Without this conversion, GSettings would not be able to access and utilize the schema definitions, rendering the application unable to read or write its settings. This ensures efficient and rapid access to configuration data. The command is typically run during package installation or when schema definitions are updated.

The converted schema file must be placed in a directory where GSettings can find it (typically `/usr/share/glib-2.0/schemas/`). It's important to run `glib-compile-schemas` after placing the converted schema file to update the GSettings schema cache.

To convert a schema file named `org.example.myapp.gschema.xml`, you would run:
`gsettings-schema-convert org.example.myapp.gschema.xml`
This will output the binary schema data to standard output. You would typically redirect this output to a file, for example `org.example.myapp.gschema.valid` and place it in `/usr/share/glib-2.0/schemas/`, and then run `glib-compile-schemas /usr/share/glib-2.0/schemas/` to activate the schema.

The schema XML files follow a specific format defined by GLib. They define the keys, their types, and any default values. Ensure the schema XML file is valid, or the conversion will fail.

The `gsettings-schema-convert` command was introduced as part of the GLib library to support the GSettings configuration system. GSettings was created to replace the older GConf system in GNOME. Its development has evolved alongside the GNOME desktop environment, focusing on providing a more efficient and reliable way to manage application settings. The conversion tool ensures fast lookups of schema info by the glib settings backend.

glib-compile-schemas(1), gsettings(1)