[snip]
Here's one that I think is simple: why would we want a language where the clauses must come in a particular order? `FROM mytable SELECT column` is as clear an _expression_ as `SELECT column FROM mytable`, and probably better, in that it starts with the source and winnows from there. Likewise, the order of WHERE, ORDER BY, and so on don't change what is being said.
I believe the "why" is, "because parsing SQL is hard enough already", but that's a problem unto itself. A language with a more regular syntax is easier to work with and improve.
The answer is obvious to every grey beard: SQL was developed from SEQUEL, Structured ENGLISH Query Language at a company that loved English-style programming languages.
"SELECT column FROM mytable WHERE condition" is a perfect declarative English sentence that any middle school grammar teacher would be proud of.
"FROM mytable SELECT column"... not so much.
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Angular momentum makes the world go 'round.
Angular momentum makes the world go 'round.
