Is it relevant to work with hints in modern versions of MS SQL-Server?

Question

SQL Server

I'm just learning sql-server, starting from version 2012. I know that hints were needed in the old versions, but in the new ones, the optimizer seems to be able to choose the optimal plan himself. Or does it still make sense to learn how to use hints in the new versions of 2012+?

Answer 1

The query optimizer in SQL Server is very smart and does its job well. It makes sense to learn how to use hints when you have an ultra-complex query for selecting from a very large database, and you see that the optimizer is clearly not coping, and this is where you can do better.
If you are just starting out, focus on more important things. The Training Kit (Exam 70-461): Querying Microsoft SQL Server 2012 to Help You is a very good learning material.