I have never required a scantool to diagnose or fix anything; an ELM327 or the local parts store reader told me everything I needed to know.
Terms have not been defined enough times?

I have no problem with "get the codes" when appropriate. In the case of an electrical problem if there are any codes they are completely useless because all they tell you is "there is an electrical problem". If a module doesn't have power it will throw a "no communication" code. If the CEL is not lit any stored codes are irrelevant, they could be 100 starts old..

 

I have had a few code scanners, but finally got to the point of getting a scan tool. it can read live data as it happens. I used it to diagnose the speed sensor on my Land Rover, also data from the O2 sensors to find the defective one, cylinder balance on my old GMC safari, numerous problems with my smart, and now issues with my HHR. Throw in a few issues with y son's jep patriot and I think it has earned it's keep.Anything after about 2018 and it gets confused but so far I don't have any of those vehicles yet. A simple reader will give you most codes, but may not reset them.They can get you by, but I found I appreciate my "tool" as I can do so much more with it and it was roughly around $100. (Autel model)

 

A ELM327 can read live data and clear codes and monitor all PIDs. They are down to $2.00, free software runs on your smart phone or laptop, you can pay for better software.

 

A $100 Autel is just a code reader that can show you OBD data.
Now a scanner/programmer ( what the argument in this thread started about) is a whole different tool.
I have a couple of the Torque apps. Yeah, they will allow you to view some live data but it is in no way a “scanner”.

 

I got one of these for my son's Jeep Patriot and he can reset most codes as well as monitor some live data on his 2016 Patriot. At $22, hard to pass up. of course mine is a bit more expensive Autel, but then I make it work harder when I need to...and of course being almost 20 years old, it could be replaced...