AI can generate SQL quickly. The risk is becoming unable to explain the query you are running.
Define the logic before the query
Write down the grain, tables, joins, filters and metric calculation. Then ask AI to draft the SQL.
Review every join
Ask what happens to row counts at each join. Many plausible AI queries fail because the join changes the grain.
Check aggregation
Confirm that the numerator and denominator are calculated at the intended level. Test a small sample where you can reason about the expected result.
Use AI to explain, not replace understanding
Ask AI to explain each clause and identify edge cases. Then rewrite or adapt the query yourself when the logic matters.
Keep deliberate practice
If SQL is a skill you are still building, solve first and ask AI for review second. Otherwise the tool can hide exactly the mistakes you need to learn from.
For interview-specific practice, see AI-assisted SQL interview practice.