macOS: Is /etc/fstab file deprecated? What is the recommended config file then?

Question

I am running macOS High Sierra 10.13.6. When I look for /etc/fstab file, I found /etc/fstab.hd file (no /etc/fstab file was present), and the file content says IGNORE THIS FILE.

But when I google, there are many articles still talking about /etc/fstab such as this link. So should I create and use /etc/fstab file? If it's not recommended, what is the recommended config file then?

Answer 1

afaik, fstab doesn't exist by default. You have to create one, first time.

From your linked instructions...

7) Edit (or create) an fstab file by typing the following and pressing enter:
sudo vifs

Will do precisely that, edit - or create - an fstab file.
Once you've got it set up, it ought to work as expected. I have mine set with ACLs so it will let me edit it without jumping through hoops every time. iirc, by default it's set to root/wheel.

fstab.hd seems to be a red herring, but no amount of Googling has turned up what it is or was used for :/