[pdimitar]

As a semi-counter-point, learning some data mapper libraries where you learn a DSL that seems better-structured than SQL definitely helped me understand SQL better.

SQL is ultimately a bit dysfunctional and takes a lot of getting used to. Not arguing it's worth learning but since most of my career I was not truly exposed to it, I preferred the bespoke DSL.

I'll agree using ORMs is indeed going to ridiculous lengths to avoid learning even a smidgen of SQL but there's a nice middle ground.