In Chapter 5 we noted that the objectives of a database language included having the
capability to be used with minimal user effort, and having a command structure and
syntax that must be relatively easy to learn. The initial SQL standard, released in 1989,
appeared to satisfy these objectives. The release in 1992 increased in size from 120 pages
to approximately 600 pages, and it is more questionable whether it satisfied these objectives.
Unfortunately, the size of the SQL:2003 standard is even more daunting, and it would
seem that these two objectives are no longer being fulfilled or even being considered by
the standards bodies.