As someone who interacts with databases regularly… Yeah, that sounds about right.
I was recently working with another team’s feature to handle data retrieval for the end user, pretty front end but it was far too tightly coupled with db management concepts. How is a non-technical person supposed to know the difference between an inner join and a left join?
Not too long ago I suggested using cross apply to a senior dev I work with and they admitted they weren’t sure what that does or how to use it. People who don’t regularly work with databases have no chance.
“Magic system” is a bit of an oxymoron imo. The problem with having hard rules for magic is that that’s not magic, that’s science. You just end up with a world with slightly different physical laws.
Technology can be interesting on its own but a deep understanding of the underlying mechanics kills the magic. A rock that lets you talk with someone over great distance is magic but if you explain it as manipulating imperceptible vibrations in the air you just have a radio.