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Step 1
Work with a mentor. A mentor is someone who has extensive experience with Oracle SQL and someone who can impart that knowledge to you in a constructive and effective manner.
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Step 2
If you are primarily writing reports or developing queries for a software application then you may want to pick up a copy of my book "SQL for Query Writers: Based on Oracle Database 11g" (available on Amazon). I wrote this book for professionals who have to learn SQL but do not need the overhead of learning or sifting through DBA-related material.
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Step 3
Read the Oracle Database Concepts guide. This provides a brief overview of the Oracle Database product. Once you understand what is available and how things work you can drill down into topic-specific books (SQL, Tuning, Networking, Data Warehousing, etc). You can find the Oracle Database 11g Concepts guide at Oracle's website (see link at the end of this article). You will need to register for a free Oracle Technology account before you can access the books pages.
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Step 4
Read Effective Oracle by Design by Thomas Kyte. This is a wonderful collection of things to be aware of, consider and test as you deisgn data structures, develop reports and applications against an Oracle database. Among the many useful pieces of information that this book provides you will also learn to test your SQL hypotheses rather than blindly accept what you have heard or read about SQL.
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Step 5
Read Richard Niemiec’s Performance Tuning Tips and Techniques book. Stay away from any “undocumented” tips if you are under an Oracle Support contract as these may void your support agreement for any database that you apply the tips to.
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Step 6
The above resources should get you started. It is also a good idea to take an Oracle training class for instructor-led guidance. An instructor can present complicated concepts in an easy-to-digest format. It is also nice to have someone there to help you when you get stuck.
