What are the best resources for learning SQL effectively?

You should definitely check out almost anything by Itzik Ben-Gan. He has some great books on SQL. Also, Brent Ozar has a lot of excellent blog posts and free video tutorials that could really help you out. One key thing to remember is to avoid thinking programmatically when you're learning SQL; it has its own logic. His guide, "Think Like The SQL Engine", is particularly helpful for grasping SQL execution. And don’t forget to learn how to think in sets!

I recommend looking at the cs50x course. It covers a range of topics, including SQL, and it’s one of the most engaging ways to learn not only SQL but also how to interact with it programmatically through Python. Plus, you’ll walk away with a certificate from Harvard, which is pretty cool! You can take it for free and it’s fully interactive – or you might find similar paid courses out there.

For a compiled list of resources, check out a forum post that lists the best SQL books. The community has put together some solid recommendations there.