One of the old-time gardening writers (can't remember which) said that hoeing is the single most important horticultural activity of all, and I agree with him!
But.............
It doesn't work on tough, established weeds no matter how well you sharpen it, and many perennial weeds will just start again from the remaining tap roots if you don't dig them out.
Some people have recommended various designs of mattock on these forums, but I don't happen to have one.