Jessica Aki compares Oracle's old join syntax using the `(+)` operator with ANSI-standard joins like `LEFT JOIN`. She found the Oracle method confusing and less intuitive, prompting a deliberate choice between them.

The old syntax embeds join logic in the `WHERE` clause, making it visually unclear which table is optional and prone to bugs. It also lacks support for `FULL OUTER JOIN`, requiring complex workarounds with `UNION`.

ANSI joins separate join conditions, read like English, and work across PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, Oracle, and BigQuery. Aki chose them for consistency, readability, and better scalability in new projects and cross-database work.

For legacy Oracle systems, knowing the old syntax remains useful. However, for modern development and learning, ANSI joins are the portable, maintainable standard that aligns with most documentation and team skills.