Things I want in a modern relational query language

The author argues that while SQL's declarative approach is powerful, its outdated implementation and syntax have contributed to the rise of NoSQL databases. A modern relational query language should adopt contemporary syntax (similar to Python or C), embrace functional programming paradigms more fully, provide better error messages and query plan transparency, and support advanced type systems like sum types and pattern matching. The author contends that learning from SQL's core strengths while modernizing its design could make relational databases more programmer-friendly.