I am developing a Spark SQL application and I've got few questions:

1. I read that Spark-SQL uses Hive metastore under the cover? Is this true? I'm talking about a pure Spark-SQL application that does not explicitly connect to any Hive installation.
2. I am starting a Spark-SQL application, and have no need to use Hive. Is there any reason to use Hive? From what I understand Spark-SQL is much faster than Hive; so, I don't see any reason to use Hive. But am I correct?