Think of "create table" as legacy code, and create procedure as the newer fangled thingy. That is really what is going on. Create table was one of the first SQL commands, create procedure came later, in some cases much later. How often do we really go back and re-engineer when we realize "it can be better"? Not saying I wouldn't like to, just saying. The Standards organization could retrofit a better interface but what really would be the benefit? Sure our job would make more sense, but that would be a hidden benefit to anyone who pays the bills. Return on invest is the only thing most of the world sees. Beauty, is not quantifiable. sigh.