Which of the following is not an advantage of using a Database?

• A. The connection file is associated with the user, not the workspace.
• B. The reader will perform better when using a database connection.
• C. You can share a workspace without having to share database permissions.
• D. You can upload a workspace to FME Server and optionally include the database permissions.

Answer: (B)

Using a database connection in FME mainly provides secure, portable access and better collaboration, not a speed boost. The benefit comes from how credentials and access are managed rather than how fast data is read.

Because the connection file is tied to a user, not the workspace, you can distribute workspaces widely without embedding specific database credentials. Each user carries their own connection settings, so the same workspace can be used by many people without sharing DB passwords.

This setup also lets you share a workspace while keeping database permissions separate. Users don’t need to grant others database access; they rely on their own credentials, or on centralized permission controls, to access the data.

On FME Server, you can upload a workspace and choose whether to include database permissions. This helps ensure automated runs have the right access without exposing credentials to every user, or allows you to manage permissions at the server level.

The statement about readers performing better when using a database connection isn’t inherently true. Reading from a database depends on factors like query design, indexing, network latency, and server performance, not merely the fact that a database connection is used.