What is the Purpose of Oracle Control Files?

People often ask what is Control file and what is the purpose of Control file so here is my thoughts on Control Files

Control files are very important component of database and they have the information that is not available in any of the files in Oracle  The information in control files is

1. What is the name of the database
2. Name location size of data and Redo log files.
3. If your database crash, these files have recovery information

When these Control Files are Generated:
Control files are generated on the same date when your data base is created

How these Control files are updated?
Oracle Control files are updated with a background process called CKPT, this process update each and every control file every time the content is changed.

How many Control Files?
According to my knowledge 2 Control files are must for any Database but normally when you install Oracle 10g three control files are generated.

How can i see my Oracle Control files?
 You can see your control files using query