[wruza]

If that was the case, almost all programming languages had `where`, as in

  (a + b) where
    a = … * c,
    b = … * sqrt(2) + d
    c = …,
    d = … …;

But that is not less confusing, that is more.

[smackeyacky]

To a programmer, sure, but SQL was designed as a natural language[0] for non programmers and the syntax reflects that i.e

  I need eggs, flour, sugar and vanilla from the supermarket.

Vs Yoda

  From the supermarket eggs, flour, sugar and vanilla I need.

The original use case has long failed, but here we are with SQL stockholm syndrome. I don't hate it, but strictly speaking it is a bit odd.

Edit: there was a linguist in the group that developed SQL to help with the goal of making it easier for non programmers.

[0] https://www.mcjones.org/System_R/SQL_Reunion_95/sqlr95-Syste...