What is the recommended resource for learning the SQL database language according to Google?
Alan Bewley's "Learning SQL," but it was written for MySQL version 4 and the current version is 8. Would this make a significant difference in the usefulness of the book?

I had zero experience before my interview for the sql-jun position, but I managed to solve all the problems that were offered on the website overnight. My advice is to solve these gradually increasing complexity problems since they are supported by theory explained in a very accessible and concise way. After solving about a dozen of them, you will start feeling like an SQL guru. In fact, my recommendation is to solve at least 30 problems before trying to read any textbooks on the subject because the hands-on experience will make it easier to understand the material.

If you are interested in learning more about SQL, I recommend checking out some literature that covers the basics of database systems, normal forms, and presents some practice problems. You can also take a look at SQL Complete Guide for a more comprehensive overview of all the features. For those working with MS SQL Server, the Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Beginner's Guide can be especially helpful in terms of index creation, optimization, and business analytics. Additionally, there is a guide specific to t-sql queries for MS SQL Server.

As for Postgresql, the official guide is exhaustive, and I cannot speak to Oracle and MySQL. Best of luck in your learning journey!

In order to give you proper advice, you need to establish your personal "foundation". Although the book you mentioned is helpful, I recommend the following learning algorithm:

1) Learn the basics of relational algebra, normal forms, and the relational model. Reading and understanding articles even on Wikipedia is enough for the eyes.
2) Familiarize yourself with the SQL2008 specification. You can work with a certain dialect of the language later on.
3) Choose a dialect of the language and read literature related to it. You will also need to decide on the tools you will use in the future.
4) Familiarize yourself with UML, or at least the part that affects database prototyping. UML allows you to describe processes and create a prototype of a database schema.

Once you have completed the four basic steps, you can start practicing from simple to complex. Along the way, you will learn the features of the software implementation of your chosen DBMS.

It's important to understand why all four steps are necessary. Without basic fundamental knowledge, you won't understand how data integrity restrictions work, for example. Knowledge of the SQL: standard will allow you to switch from one DBMS to another if necessary. It also helps you understand how a good relational SQL DBMS should be compatible with this standard a priori.

Reading examples from books can help some people learn better than just reading standards, manuals, and official dоcumentation. UML tools allow you to describe business processes in a standardized graphical form. This is necessary because relational databases are just a tool for storing and processing data that provides certain business processes of a certain subject area.

To start from scratch, it is recommended to download "Master SQL yourself in 10 minutes". To practice, visit sql-ex for syntax and sql-tutorial for T-SQL. Completing about 60 DML and 20 DDL practice tasks is a good start. Consider reading Svyatoslav Kulikov's "The work of MYSQL, MS SQL SERVER and ORACLE in examples" for insight on different databases. To further your skills, find relevant books for your chosen DBMS and consider taking an exam for a basic certificate.
However, if you aspire to be a database programmer and struggle with the exams, it may be challenging to work in this field.

It's essential to keep in mind that while the basics of SQL remain consistent across different versions, there are often significant changes and updates between versions. As a result, using a book written for an earlier version, such as MySQL version 4, may lead to some differences in syntax, features, and best practices, which could potentially affect your understanding and usage of the language.

In the case of Alan Belew's "Learning SQL," the version mismatch might result in outdated examples, techniques, and approaches that could lead to confusion when working with the current version of MySQL (version . It's worth noting that certain commands, functions, and optimizations may have been added, modified, or deprecated over the versions, and these may not be adequately covered in an older book.

While the core concepts of SQL are generally consistent, it is recommended to use resources specifically tailored to the version you will be working with, such as version 8 in this case. It would be advantageous to seek out learning materials that are up to date and aligned with the version of the database system you intend to use, as this will ensure you are learning the most relevant and current information.

To further emphasize the potential impact of using a book written for an earlier version of SQL, such as MySQL version 4, it's important to consider the advancements and improvements that have been made in the language and the database system across subsequent versions. These advancements often include new features, improved performance optimizations, changes in syntax, and updates to best practices.

Using a book written for an outdated version may lead to confusion and inefficiencies when working with the current version. It could result in frustration when encountering differences in how certain commands are executed, changes in data types or constraints, and new functionalities that were not available in the older version.

Furthermore, taking into account the evolution of technology and the industry standards, it's crucial to stay current with the latest practices and recommendations. By utilizing learning materials tailored to the most recent version, you can ensure that you're equipped with the most relevant knowledge and skills required for modern SQL development and administration.

Additionally, learning resources that are designed for the current version of MySQL, such as version 8, are more likely to cover contemporary topics, such as security enhancements, performance tuning specific to the latest version, and best practices that have evolved over time. These are critical aspects to understand when working with a modern database system, and an older book may not adequately address these important considerations.

Moreover, using outdated learning materials could potentially lead to the development of habits or techniques that are no longer considered best practice. This might impede your ability to take advantage of the latest features and optimizations available in the current version of the database system.

Given these considerations, it is advisable to prioritize learning resources that are tailored to the specific version of the SQL database you will be using. Accessing up-to-date resources will ensure that you are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to work effectively and efficiently with the latest version of the database system. This approach will help you to stay current and make the most of the capabilities offered by the modern version of MySQL.

"Learning SQL" is still a solid resource, but you'll need to supplement it with more modern resources to get a comprehensive understanding of MySQL 8.
I'd recommend "SQL Queries for Mere Mortals" for its more general and timeless coverage of SQL concepts.