[sql] FULL OUTER JOIN vs. FULL JOIN

It's true that some databases recognize the OUTER keyword. Some do not. Where it is recognized, it is usually an optional keyword. Almost always, FULL JOIN and FULL OUTER JOIN do exactly the same thing. (I can't think of an example where they do not. Can anyone else think of one?)

This may leave you wondering, "Why would it even be a keyword if it has no meaning?" The answer boils down to programming style.

In the old days, programmers strived to make their code as compact as possible. Every character meant longer processing time. We used 1, 2, and 3 letter variables. We used 2 digit years. We eliminated all unnecessary white space. Some people still program that way. It's not about processing time anymore. It's more about fast coding.

Modern programmers are learning to use more descriptive variables and put more remarks and documentation into their code. Using extra words like OUTER make sure that other people who read the code will have an easier time understanding it. There will be less ambiguity. This style is much more readable and kinder to the people in the future who will have to maintain that code.

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