In this paper I have presented 10 characteristics of the Saxon XQuery implementation that contribute to its performance, and for most of these, I have attempted to quantify the size of that contribution for some selected queries. Few of these mechanisms are unique to Saxon; what makes Saxon distinctive is the deployment of a balanced portfolio of techniques to deliver efficient query execution over a variety of user workloads, coupled with a determination to place other qualities of the product (standards conformance, reliability, usability) ahead of raw performance. In a crowded marketplace with over 50 XQuery implementations competing for user attention, I believe it is this balanced approach that has led many users to make Saxon their preferred choice.

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