[cturner]

Do you have any thoughts about why there has been no challenge to the SQL syntax? We can easily imagine notations based on relational algebra and relational calculus emerging that could be interpreted at the same levels of an RDBMS as SQL, yet I've not seen anyone attempt it. A good PhD topic for someone?

[encoderer]

SQL was designed to make data accessible to non-programmers. That's why it lacks more advanced/obscure syntax.

And the reason why it's stuck is the same story that you can tell over and over about standards.

[shaunxcode]

APL? (seriously)