you need to learn SQL first before you work with an ORM. Analogously, I'd say that being able to write a compiler, down to having it generate machine code or a

you need to learn SQL first before you work with an ORM. Analogously, I'd say that being able to write a compiler, down to having it generate machine code or assembly, gives you a leg up when using a compiled language. I've met and interviewed a number of coders who had cringeworthy gaps in their knowledge, because to them, a C compiler was just some kind of "magic."