Optimizations

Please would somebody tell me whether or not the optimizer sufficiently optimizes a cross join like this:
SELECT *
FROM table1 t1, table2, t2
WHERE t1.field1 = t2.field4

to
SELECT *
FROM table1 t1
INNER JOIN table2 t2
ON t1.field1 = t2.field4

As I understand it, both queries will always return the same results, however, the second query will execute substantially faster, particularly as the tables involved increase in number of rows. It seems that most people prefer the first syntax, as it is probably quite simple logically, however, I suspect that the optimizer does not optimize it absolutely.
Also, when LEFT, and OUTER JOINs are required, people forget that the JOIN keyword exists, and try to use the same syntax as in the first query. If I wanted all records in table1, and only associated records from table2, then the only way that I know of to retrieve this information would be as follows:
SELECT *
FROM table1 t1
LEFT JOIN table2 t2
ON t1.field1 = t2.field4

Would somebody please enlighten me (with regard to the optimizer, as well as alternatives for the last query above). I suspect that a lot of people are inadvertently using cross joins, when that is not what they mean to be doing, and are not impressed with the speed.

Thanks...

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Michael Ansley
Intec (Ireland)
Tel : +27 21 430-9000
Cell : +27 82 784-4229
eMail: michael(dot)ansley(at)intec(dot)co(dot)za
ICQ : 23465105
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