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Raw Schema Format

The raw schema format is the fallback for all topics without an explicitly defined schema. It represents an opaque byte[] payload with no interpretation, transformation, or validation.

1. Characteristics​

  • format: raw
  • schema object: omitted entirely
  • schemabase64: omitted
  • payload: delivered as-is, unmodified
  • usage: ideal for binary data, proprietary formats, encrypted blocks, or passthrough messaging.

2. Example Schema Resource​

{
  "versionId": "10000000-0000-1000-a000-100000000000",
  "description": "Raw byte[]",
  "labels": {
    "uniqueId": "10000000-0000-1000-a000-1000000000001",
    "resource": "unknown",
    "interface": "raw"
  },
  "format": "raw"
}

3. Behaviour in the Server​

  • The router treats the payload as uninterpreted bytes.
  • No schema verification occurs.
  • Transformations, projections, and type validations are skipped.
  • Tools such as $SCHEMA/<namespace> publishing or REST-based schema uploads are not required for raw topics.

4. When to Use Raw Format​

  • Binary sensor packets
  • Proprietary satellite frames
  • Payloads encrypted end-to-end (server cannot inspect them)
  • Very high-throughput paths where schema-based parsing is unnecessary
  • Legacy system compatibility