You're right :
*"*CTEs ... add exactly zero to SQLite's capability."
This is also right :
"C Language ... add exactly zero to Intel X86 processor capability".
In both case :
- "adding zero capability" to the underlying tool is a physical constraint,
- CTE (or C Language) bring capabilities to the users, by simplifying the
use of the underlying tool.
I'm trying to no longer weigh in on this subject since previous attempts have been met with some sharp criticism, but I cannot help
point out the fantastically large difference between the above statements. James is saying that CTE's do not add any functionality
(so long as recursive queries are absent of course) to the SQL itself (not some higher-order other language that uses SQL in some way).
At a stretch you might say, when considering loop improvements, that "CTE is to SQL _as_ a For-loop statement is to C (as opposed
to a while-loop)", but it's hard to see how "CTE is to SQL _as_ C is to X86" can ever be a valid analogy.
You (Bigstone) have provided great suggestions on how it might be implemented, why it should be implemented and indeed clear
explanations to the benefit of using CTE SQL. Responders have pointed out that while this is true, unless recursive query
capability is also added, the only advantage will be semi-better legibility at the cost of significant added size, overhead and
code. Also that we'd all like it to work easier, just not at that price.
It is not a suggestion that is shot down or in any way invalid - just not feasible currently, but might well be so in future pending
developments. I also applaud the "Friends of CTE in SQLite" initiative, but starting on the development before the goal has been
shown to be appealing to the devs is much like building a sandcastle and then pointing out how easy it was to urge the activity when
everybody else has brought surf-boards.
Also, the above explains what seems to be the current ruling opinion and is not a law or a set-in-stone working model laid down by
anyone, least of all me.
That said, it's hard to see how this subject has carried so far.
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